Boston Red Sox pitcher Kutter Crawford is facing a knee injury as spring training begins, causing him to lag behind his peers. Despite the setback, there's optimism he could be ready for Opening Day. Concurrently, fellow pitcher Brayan Bello is recovering from minor shoulder soreness and has returned to throwing after a brief shutdown. Crawford's role for the upcoming season remains uncertain, with potential options including being a multi-inning relief pitcher or part of a six-man rotation alongside Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, and others, to manage their workloads.

Last season, Crawford logged 33 starts with a 4.36 ERA and 175 strikeouts, but his 16 losses were the highest in the league. With the Red Sox adding some promising talent in the offseason, including Crochet and Buehler, expectations for the team's performance are rising after a .500 finish last season. The Red Sox will kick off their season on March 27, making Crawford's recovery critical for their pitching strategy.

Draft season for fantasy baseball is upon us, and savvy managers are eager for undervalued pitchers. This article highlights post-hype starters, players who once had significant expectations but have fallen off the radar. Notable names include Shane Baz of the Tampa Bay Rays, who, despite an ADP of 174, boasts impressive stats from last season. Gavin Williams of the Cleveland Guardians, with an ADP of 231, showcases potential with his minor league dominance and improved pitch arsenal. Other pitchers mentioned include Brayan Bello, Bobby Miller, Reid Detmers, and Luis Ortiz, all of whom present intriguing values for astute fantasy players.

The Boston Red Sox are making a concerted effort to change their approach to player development and contract negotiations. Critics have pointed to past missteps with homegrown talents like Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts, prompting a shift in strategy.

Recently, the organization extended Rafael Devers with a massive 10-year, $313.5 million deal, signaling their intent to retain core players. They also locked in contract extensions for promising talents like Brayan Bello and Ceddanne Rafaela, while engaging in talks with Garrett Crochet about a potential deal.

Moreover, the Red Sox are exploring extensions for their top prospects, including Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer, even before they reach the majors. Anthony expressed enthusiasm about the possibility, stating that while these discussions haven't occurred yet, he would love to remain with the Red Sox, the team he has grown to admire.

Walker Buehler's move from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Boston Red Sox marks a pivotal shift in his career. The right-handed pitcher, who secured the World Series title for the Dodgers against the New York Yankees, now aims to contribute significantly to the Red Sox and help them ascend in the American League East. Buehler's free agency followed a challenging recovery from Tommy John surgery, which kept him sidelined for nearly two years.

His 2024 season with the Dodgers was marked by a 5.38 ERA across 16 games, yet he found his form in the playoffs with 10 scoreless innings, including a flawless ninth inning in the World Series. This inconsistency led to a one-year, $21.05 million deal with Boston as he strives to prove his value.

The Boston Red Sox have engaged in preliminary contract extension discussions with left-hander Garrett Crochet, acquired from the Chicago White Sox during the offseason. While the talks are in early stages, no agreement appears imminent. Crochet remains under contract through the 2026 season, alleviating immediate pressure for the Red Sox. However, securing a deal before he pitches this season could yield a more favorable contract.

In his first full season as a starter in 2024, Crochet recorded a 6-12 record with a 3.58 ERA, striking out 209 batters in 146 innings, earning him an All-Star selection. After a stint in the bullpen since his debut in 2020, he has faced injuries, particularly from Tommy John surgery. The Red Sox aim to bolster their rotation, featuring Crochet alongside Walker Buehler, Brayan Bello, Tanner Houck, and Lucas Giolito.