Description
Kutter Crawford is a pitcher in the Boston Red Sox Organization. The Red Sox drafted Crawford out of Florida Gulf Coast University, where Boston ace Chris Sale starred. Crawford’s 99 strikeouts as a junior in 2017 ranked the third most in a season in Florida Gulf Coast program history behind only Sale’s 146 strikeouts his junior year in 2010 and Sale’s 104 punch-outs his sophomore season in 2009. Crawford is the younger brother of Jonathon Crawford, who was selected in the first round of the 2013 MLB draft by the Detroit Tigers.
As a junior, Crawford was named ASUN First Team All-Conference after leading the ASUN and ranking 8th in the NCAA with a 1.71 ERA – good for 2nd lowest in FGCU single-season history. Crawford turned in a 7-1 record in 15 appearances and 13 starts. Crawford ranked 3rd in the ASUN with 10.61 K/9.0 IP and 5th with 99 strikeouts in 84.0 IP. His 99 strikeouts were good for 3rd most in FGCU single-season history. He also held opponents to a team-best .194 average – good for 3rd in FGCU single-season history. On February 19th, Crawford became the first FGCU pitcher with 10+ strikeouts in a start since 2015 in his debut with the Eagles as he struck out 11 vs. Sacred Heart. On May 24th, Crawford tossed a season-high 8.0 scoreless innings and struck out 10 batters as FGCU defeated UNF in the ASUN Championship opener.
Crawford entered professional ball wanting to prove he should have been drafted higher than the 16th round. The 2017 491st overall selection did just that, posting a 3.36 ERA in his first 47 minor league starts. He made it to Double-A Portland by mid-June 2019, moving quickly through the minor league system.
In 2019 though, Crawford’s elbow didn’t feel right. By the time he got up to Portland, it wasn’t one pitch or anything that might have caused it. The added stress, just the wear and tear really got to him and he couldn’t bounce back after his starts. An MRI revealed a partial tear of his ulnar collateral ligament. He underwent Tommy John surgery Oct. 29, 2019. Renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews first attempted to treat Crawford with a PRP injection. But Crawford continued to feel the same elbow issues and so he and Dr. Andrews decided on Tommy John surgery.
Crawford began 2021 in Portland before being promoted to the Worcester Red Sox of Triple-A. On September 5th, Boston added Crawford to their active roster. He started that day’s game against the Cleveland Indians, taking the loss after allowing five runs in two innings. He was returned to Worcester the following day.
Crawford has primarily been a starter throughout his pro career; only one of his 67 appearances in the minors have been in relief. The Sox, however, believe Crawford can make the transition from starting rotation to the bullpen because of the arsenal he has.
In the Red Sox’ 6-2 loss to the Pirates in Bradenton on Tuesday March 29th, 2022, Crawford offered a glimpse of what could make him effective as a reliever at the big-league level. Over two scoreless innings of relief, the 25-year-old righty scattered just one hit and one walk while recording five strikeouts. Of the 38 pitches he threw, 24 went for strikes with his four-seam fastball hovering around 95-97 mph.
Crawford was named to Boston’s active roster to start the 2022 season. He was placed on the restricted list in late April prior to a series in Toronto, as he was apparently not vaccinated (required to enter Canada); he rejoined the team on April 29 in Baltimore. On May 14th, the Red Sox optioned Crawford to Worcester. He was recalled in June for a week, and again in early July. On September 4th, Crawford was placed on Boston’s injured list with a right shoulder impingement. Overall with the Red Sox during 2022, Crawford compiled a 3–6 record in 21 games (12 starts) with a 5.47 ERA while striking out 77 batters in 77+1⁄3 innings.
In 2023, Crawford went 6-8 with a 4.04 ERA for the Red Sox. He also registered 135 K’s in 129 Innings. In 2024, he’s off to a blazing start with 3.04 ERA in 19 Starts for the Red Sox!!!
The featured size 12 blue and white Nike Vapor Cleats were game worn by Kutter Crawford as a member of the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles. Crawford has signed the Cleats and added “Game Worn” in black. The right cleat features a pitcher’s protective toe guard. The Cleats show good use and were obtained directly from Kutter Crawford!!!
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.