The Boston Red Sox finally made a splash this offseason, signing left-handed starter Ranger Suarez to a five-year deal worth $130 million. It is a huge offseason win that gives Boston two incredible arms at the top of its rotation with Garrett Crochet. However, it is only fair to point to a piece of the fallout of this decision is the offseason trade additions of Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo, giving Boston a clear four starters, leading to Brayan Bello, who will be the final piece of the rotation.
As difficult as this might be, it leaves Kutter Crawford clearly on his way out barring injuries. Crawford is coming off an underwhelming 2024 season, where finished with a 4.36 ERA and an MLB-leading 16 losses, after missing all of last year due to a wrist injury. That combination makes him the clear odd man out of Boston's rotation. The Red Sox benefit as well from having Connelly Early, Payton Tolle, and Kyle Harrison all as potential depth for the rotation.
Crawford's moment has simply slipped past him, with Boston's rebuilding years giving the starter every opportunity to win a long-term role with the franchise. Instead, the starter now appears to have fallen out of favor with the roster and is going to be fighting an uphill battle to make Boston's roster throughout spring training.
Kutter Crawford Is a Clear Red Sox Trade Candidate After Ranger Suarez Signing
After losing Alex Bregman in free agency, landing Suarez is a clear win that needs to be celebrated. Still, there is no denying the lost opportunity for Crawford and what it could mean for his future with the Red Sox.
The Red Sox could look at the pitcher as a potential trade chip heading into spring training, exploring the market to fill another need. Dealing the right-hander in exchange for bench or bullpen depth both make sense if the team does decide it needs to part ways with Crawford.
Additionally, Crawford is 30 years old with two seasons left of team control after the 2026 campaign. That makes him an attractive trade option for a club looking for long-term pitching. His win total has increased with each season, so it wouldn't be surprising if a potential suitor wants to try capitalizing on that trend.
For the Red Sox, this is a great problem to have and speaks to an offseason that is suddenly picking up its pace. While there are still questions in the infield and a need to add a bat to the middle of the lineup, including Crawford and other pieces in a trade can help solve those issues.
There is still more than a month of the offseason ahead before spring training, leaving plenty of time for the Red Sox to complete their lineup and finish a roster that can build off a surprise 2026 season. A team that is likely going to be without Crawford, whose time in Boston is likely nearing the end now that Suarez is in the mix.