5 Red Sox Leaving Boston in the New Year

4. Kutter Crawford, SP

Red Sox fans have been waiting for right-handed pitcher Kutter Crawford to break out for years. The Okeechobee, FL native has shown glimpses of promise throughout his tenure, however, he's yet to successfully put everything together at once.

The 2024 season was another example of Crawford's inconsistencies. Even though he tallied a career-high nine wins in 33 appearances, he also led the Majors in both losses (16) and home runs allowed (34). The fourth-year righty's ERA and WHIP were slightly inflated compared to his 2023 numbers, further illustrating how his progression is heading in the wrong direction.

Even though Crawford still has a lot of his career left ahead of him, he might not get to play it out in Boston. The 28-year-old RHP still has four years of team control remaining, which the Red Sox can use to entice a potential trade partner if they're trying to land an impact player.

Red Sox insider Alex Speier reported on Dec. 17 that the franchise is open to trading Crawford, listing the Seattle Mariners as a potential destination. Even though there hasn't been much development since then, it isn't unfathomable that trade talks could pick up before the 2025 regular season begins.

Unless this is the year that he finally lives up to his potential, it's hard to imagine Crawford remaining with the Red Sox in the long term.