6 Red Sox pitchers who could make a surprise impact in 2023

Kutter Crawford: Crawford could make some starts or appear as a multi-inning reliever (or both) this season for the Red Sox

Kutter Crawford had mixed results last season for the Red Sox. Across 77.1 innings in 2022, Crawford posted an uninspiring 5.47 ERA and 1.42 WHIP.

While his stats last season indicate he had his fair share of struggles at the big-league level, Kutter Crawford also had some flashes of brilliance. He shined brightest when he recorded 6 consecutive strong starts against playoff teams (between July 4th and August 2nd).

In 34 innings pitched against the Rays (twice), Yankees, Jays, Guardians, and Astros during the above timeframe, Crawford surrendered only 9 runs (2.38 ERA); he scattered 27 hits yielded only 5 walks over this same stretch (0.94 WHIP), while striking out 32 batters.

Kutter Crawford certainly showed enough to give the Red Sox some hope he can make a positive impact on the big-league club in 2023. Whether he is featured as a starter, reliever, or both is still unknown; this decision may depend on the team's needs when they call upon him.