Crawford’s salary was easy to predict. Arbitration prices generally increase each season, but that doesn’t happen often when a player misses an entire year. In such situations, they usually sign for the same amount as the year before. Crawford follows that path and first takes care of some matters before teams and players exchange file figures on Thursday.
Crawford was a swingman during his first few seasons, making 25 starts three years ago and taking all 33 turns in the rotation during his last healthy season. He posted a 4.36 earned run average over a team-leading 183 2/3 innings in 2024. He posted better-than-average strikeouts and walks, but was undone to some extent by a late-season home run spike. Crawford had a flat 3.00 ERA at the All-Star Break, but was tagged for 6.59 earned runs per nine in the second half. He would lead the majors with a total of 34 home runs.
Despite the shaky finish, Crawford was a lock for a season-opening rotation job if he made it through Spring Training healthy. The Sox revealed that he had been dealing with discomfort in his right knee for most of the ’24 campaign. Crawford entered camp behind schedule and started the season on the injured list. While recovering from a knee problem in June, he suffered an injury to his right wrist that turned out to be even more serious. Crawford underwent surgery that left him unable to work for a year.
The salary is modest, so there was no doubt the Sox would offer him a contract. He may have to compete for a rotation spot in camp this time around. Garrett hook, Son Gray And Brayan Bello are locked into the top three places. The last two jobs are up for grabs among a number of throwers.
Patrick Sandoval will return after missing last season’s rehab elbow surgery. Boston liked it Johan Oviedo enough as a back-end arm to part ways with the well-regarded rookie outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia. Top prospects Payton Tolle And Connelly asked debuted late in the season. Kyle Harrison is still in the mix after being in the Rafael Devers trade. Most of these pitchers, including Crawford, have minor league options remaining. He could go to Triple-A Worcester or start the season in long relief if he doesn’t win a rotation spot. Injuries are inevitable, so at some point there will be opportunities.
The Red Sox avoided arbitration with Jarren Duran And Connor Wong earlier in the low season. They are waiting for a solution Tanner Houck, Triston Casas, Romy Gonzálezand Oviedo. There will be plenty of settlements over the next two days as teams and players try to avoid having to file a hearing.
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