[Cotillo] Red Sox avoided arbitration with Kutter Crawford, signing him to a one-year contract at $2.75 million

8 comments

1. Good depth as a spot starter or bullpen help

2. Depth piece. Inning eater. Nice to have around

3. I feel like I’ve seen a lot of people project a 2026 rotation without him or Sandoval in favor of someone like Early or Tolle. If Sandoval and Crawford are healthy/available at the end of ST (obviously a big if with any pitcher) I can’t picture them being anywhere but the rotation – at least to start the season. They’re older veterans without many options (Sandoval literally has no options), and I can’t see the Red Sox just DFAing either. And I don’t think either plays out of the bullpen well, particularly Crawford.

   I do think Crawford has some trade value though just because of his low price tag, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he is moved. Sandoval I am less sure about, because he’s more expensive and a little older.

4. No such thing as too much pitching , this is a good problem to have.

5. I feel like this is an overpay considering the number of starters we have ahead of him in the pecking order. He’s basically Cooper Criswell’s replacement as it stands.

6. He didn’t pitch (much) last year – Amount makes sense

7. “which is what he got last year”

   Not even a cost-of-living adjustment? Man, that’s rough. Don’t know how he’s going to support himself on 2.75 mil.

8. Better be playing this year