Kutter Crawford is showing promise in the Dominican Winter League
While the MLB offseason is less than a month old, Kutter Crawford is already making his mark. The former 16th round pick has made three starts in the Dominican Winter League and been lights out. Although he has only pitched 14 innings, Crawford has not allowed a run. As the Red Sox roster has started to take shape, one of their prospects is showing promise.
In three starts for Las Estrellas Orientales, Crawford has allowed six hits. The Florida Gulf Coast product has struck out 15 batters and walked five. Although Crawford only has one win to show for his efforts, he is making the most of his opportunity. On Wednesday night, he continued to dazzle.
As Las Estrellas Orientales faced the Tigres del Licey, Crawford was perfect. In five innings of work, the 25-year-old did not allow a hit while striking out seven batters. Of the 83 pitches that the Red Sox right-hander threw, 50 were strikes. Crawford was efficient on the mound for the third straight start and kept his opponent off the board.
In his brief tenure with Las Estrellas Orientales, Crawford has built on his performance in the minors. After missing all of the 2020 season due to Tommy John Surgery, Crawford posted a 4.28 ERA in 20 games across two levels in 2021. While he struggled in his major league debut, Crawford showed some encouraging signs in Worcester and Portland.
Kutter Crawford tossed five hitless frames for @EOBASEBALLCLUB.
The No. 23 @RedSox prospect has yet to allow a run through three @LIDOMRD starts. pic.twitter.com/cx18xRyJq9
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) November 11, 2021
Crawford’s performance in the minors and what it means for 2022
Before being promoted to Triple-A, Crawford held opponents to a .200 batting average. While the former 491st overall pick could not replicate that success with Worcester, he allowed fewer home runs. When faced with tougher competition, Crawford struggled with his control which he has avoided during his stint with Las Estrellas Orientales so far.
Although Crawford is the Red Sox’s twenty third-best prospect, he could serve as a depth piece next season. His focus leading up to the spring will be improving his control after walking 15 batters in Triple-A compared to just 5 in Double-A. Over the next few months, Crawford will be a player to keep an eye on as he improves his game.
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-Jamie Gatlin ( JamieGatlin17 on Twitter )
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