Kutter Crawford's gained confidence as last season progressed is something to build upon when he heads to spring training
Kutter Crawford's gained confidence as last season progressed is something to build upon when he heads to spring training
The 2022 Red Sox season was filled with injuries that resulted in players getting bigger roles on the major league roster. One of those players was right-handed pitcher Kutter Crawford.
The 26-year-old pitched in 21 games for the Red Sox, 12 of them were starts while posting a 3-6 record with a 5.47 ERA. Crawford dealt with struggles to begin the season, resulting in him to figure it out while with Triple-A Worcester.
During his stint with the WooSox last season, Crawford pitched in six games, making four starts posting a 1-0 record with a 5.18 ERA.
The Okeechobee, Florida native saw moments of brilliance with the Red Sox. Over the month of July, Crawford owned a 2.57 ERA, 2.72 FIP, 8.36 K/9 through 28 innings of work, per FanGraphs.
The right-handed hurler’s turnaround last season began in May when Boston optioned him to the WooSox. Crawford was hammered for 10 earned runs, 15 hits and eight walks in 10 2/3 innings out of the bullpen.
Crawford went from being a thrower to a pitcher as the year unfolded allowing him success and confidence on the mound.
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“Starting the year being a reliever, I was getting away from how I pitch. I almost became a thrower,” Crawford said to Christopher Smith of MassLive. “I was just trying to throw the ball hard and produce really good stuff coming out of the bullpen.”
Crawford will be in the mix to earn a spot on the Red Sox next season. Based off his results from last season, he is not penciled on for a spot in the rotation. Can Crawford secure a spot in the bullpen as a bulk arm that eats up innings?
If Garrett Whitlock is going to be in the Red Sox rotation next season, could Crawford fill his role out of the bullpen? Both pitchers are different in their effectiveness. It’s disingenuous to think Crawford would duplicate the same success as Whitlock.
The Red Sox will have opportunities for their young organizational pitching depth next season.
Crawford pitched with better confidence in the second half of last season and Boston will welcome his versatility. “There’s not a hitter that steps in the box I think is better than me,” Crawford said last summer. “I think every pitcher needs to have that mindset to be successful.”
Crawford’s ability to hold himself accountable and change his focus last season didn’t go unnoticed with Red Sox manager Alex Cora. His gained confidence as the season progressed is something to build off and will be something to watch as pitchers and catchers report to spring training in 2023.
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