🚨 BOSTON RED SOX REINFORCE ROTATION: Kutter Crawford Signs One-Year Deal for 2026 After Injury Layoff

The Boston Red Sox are getting an important piece of their starting rotation back for the 2026 season, as veteran pitcher Kutter Crawford will make his return to the mound after missing all of last season due to multiple injuries. On Tuesday, the team confirmed that they had avoided arbitration with the 29-year-old right-hander, signing him to a one-year contract worth $2.75 million, according to MLB.com’s Ian Browne.

Crawford’s journey back to health has been a long one, and the Red Sox are eager to get him back into action as they look to strengthen their pitching staff for the upcoming season. Although Crawford struggled on the mound in 2024, giving up a league-high 34 home runs, he has been a crucial part of the Red Sox’s rotation in the past and is expected to contribute once again when healthy.

Crawford’s Return After Injury Struggles

Crawford’s 2024 season was far from stellar, as he was plagued by issues on the mound, finishing with a league-high 34 home runs allowed. However, the veteran pitcher has been a key figure in the Red Sox’s rotation in previous years. In his last full season with Boston, Crawford led the team in starts and innings pitched, demonstrating his durability and importance to the team when healthy.

Despite his struggles in 2024, the Red Sox see potential in the 29-year-old and believe that he can bounce back in 2026. With the team’s other pitchers struggling with consistency, Crawford’s return offers some much-needed depth and stability in their starting rotation.

A New Deal for Crawford: Financial Terms and Team Confidence

With the looming deadline for clubs to exchange arbitration figures, the Red Sox quickly agreed to terms with Crawford, avoiding the arbitration process altogether. The contract is worth $2.75 million—the same amount he earned last year, even though he was unable to pitch due to his injuries. This one-year deal ensures that Crawford will have the opportunity to prove himself and contribute to the team, while the Red Sox maintain some flexibility in their pitching staff.

In his absence during 2025, Crawford worked diligently to recover from his injuries, and now that he is healthy, he will look to regain his spot in the rotation. The Red Sox clearly have confidence in his ability to rebound and be a valuable asset to the team once again.

Red Sox’s Competitive Rotation for 2026

Boston’s starting rotation will look very different by the time Crawford steps back onto the mound. With Garrett Crochet, Sonny Gray, Brayan Bello, and Johan Oviedo occupying the top four spots, Crawford will have to work hard to earn his place among these talented pitchers.

Crawford’s competition for the remaining spot in the rotation will be fierce. He will face challenges from rising prospects Payton Tolle and Connelly Early, along with Patrick Sandoval, a lefty who could add a different dimension to the Red Sox’s rotation. The battle for the final spot will be one to watch closely, but Crawford’s experience and familiarity with the team will certainly give him an advantage.

While Crawford will face some stiff competition for a rotation spot, the fact that the Red Sox have decided to bring him back for 2026 shows their confidence in his ability to contribute. The team clearly sees him as a key part of their plans moving forward and is hopeful that he can return to the form that made him an important figure in their rotation in previous seasons.

What’s Next for Kutter Crawford and the Red Sox?

The signing of Crawford is just one piece of the puzzle for the Red Sox, who are looking to improve on their pitching staff as they head into 2026. The team has a strong group of pitchers already in place, but the addition of Crawford provides some depth and flexibility as they look to solidify their rotation.

For Crawford, the road ahead will be about proving he can stay healthy and return to his best form. The Red Sox are taking a calculated risk by bringing him back on a one-year deal, but they clearly believe in his potential. As he works to earn his spot in the rotation, the pressure will be on him to demonstrate that he can be a consistent and reliable contributor to a team that is vying for contention.

Fans of the Red Sox will be eagerly watching to see if Crawford can rebound from his injury-plagued season and help bolster a rotation that is critical to the team’s success. If Crawford can stay healthy and find his rhythm, he could be a key piece in what promises to be an exciting 2026 season for the Boston Red Sox.