A crucial question hangs over the Boston Red Sox's pitching rotation as the new season approaches: Will Kutter Crawford, a key contender for the final spot, be ready to take the mound from the get-go?
With an open rotation spot up for grabs, the Red Sox have a talented pool of candidates, including Crawford, who is facing an uncertain start to the year due to lingering injuries.
But here's where it gets controversial... Crawford, who missed the entire 2026 season due to knee and wrist issues, is still not at full strength. He hasn't faced any batters yet, and as of now, he's unsure if he'll be able to make it in time for the season opener.
"That I do not know," Crawford admitted to the Boston Globe's Tim Healey. "It's a little further down the road. I'm taking it one day, one week, one session at a time. I'm not sure what the plan is."
Despite a solid 4.36 ERA in 33 starts in 2024, Crawford struggled with home runs, allowing a league-leading 34. He's hoping to turn things around this season, but his path back to the rotation is looking increasingly challenging.
If Crawford can't get healthy enough to secure a rotation spot, he might have to start the season in the bullpen. And with Johan Oviedo, Patrick Sandoval, Connelly Early, and Payton Tolle all showing potential, the competition is fierce.
Sandoval, who also missed last season, has already made an impression this spring. Alex Cora praised his performance against five batters, noting his impressive showing.
So, will Crawford make it back in time? And if not, who will fill that final rotation spot? These questions will keep Red Sox fans on the edge of their seats as spring training progresses.
What do you think? Who do you see as the front-runner for that final spot? Let us know in the comments!
