Red Sox extend Garrett Whitlock on a 4-year deal with options

The Boston Red Sox have locked up pitcher Garrett Whitlock

Contract extensions were at the center of discussion this spring. While the Boston Red Sox weren’t able to reach agreements on long-term deals for their cornerstone players prior to Opening Day, they have secured a key player with an extension during the early stages of the season.

According to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, the Red Sox have signed pitcher Garrett Whitlock to a four-year, $18.75 million extension. The deal covers the 2023-2026 seasons and includes club options for 2027 and 2028, extending Boston’s control over Whitlock for two seasons.

The 2027 club option is worth $8.25 million and comes with a $1 million buyout, while the 2028 option is worth $10.5 million and comes with a $500k buyout. The complicated deal includes escalators for innings and award recognition that could increase the value of the two option years. It can max out at $44.5 million over six seasons.

The Red Sox acquired Whitlock from the New York Yankees in the Rule 5 draft. Boston needed to keep him on the active roster for the entire 2021 season or else they would be required to offer him back to his former club. Keeping him on the roster turned out to be an easy decision, as Whitlock emerged as Boston’s most trusted reliever last year.

He produced a 1.96 ERA, 1.105 WHIP, 9.9 K/9 and 2.1 BB/9 in 73 1/3 innings during his dominant rookie campaign.

The Red Sox stretched out Whitlock during spring training as he competed for a spot in the rotation but they ultimately decided that he was needed more in the bullpen. His ability to log multiple innings helps mitigate concerns of Boston’s thin bullpen that lacks many trustworthy arms.

The inning total incentives ensure that Whitlock has an opportunity to earn more if he eventually moves into the rotation. He might not get the opportunity to start this year but the structure of his contract suggests that the Red Sox view him as a starter long-term. Or at least they plan to give him the opportunity to earn a rotation spot before the option years kick in. Otherwise, they risk being accused of holding his innings in check for financial reasons and creating friction with their talented young pitcher.

Whitlock is one of the most valuable members of the Red Sox pitching staff. His versatility allows manager Alex Cora to utilize him in a variety of ways. He would be a tremendous bargain if he thrives as a starter or if he ascends to the closer role. Even if he remains in his current role as a multi-inning or high-leverage middle reliever, Whitlock will easily earn his salary.

Locking up Whitlock with an extension creates cost certainty moving forward. Potentially buying out two free-agent years if they pick up his club options is a coup for Chaim Bloom.