The Boston Red Sox don't have a lot of decisions to make when it comes to internal free agents this winter. But Boston does have a lot to think about when it comes to arbitration-eligible players.
The deadline for clubs to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players is the last Friday before Thanksgiving. This year, that date is Nov. 20. The Red Sox have 17 players eligible for arbitration and will have to decide who to tender contracts to and who — if any — to non-tender.
If the Red Sox opt to non-tender someone, the player would immediately go to free agency. Of the 17, there are three who stand out as potential options to watch as non-tender candidates.
Jarren Duran — Outfielder
Duran arguably presents the most difficult decision for Boston. MLB Trade Rumors projected Duran's arbitration salary to increase to above $11 million in 2027. Duran had a 20-20 season in 2026, but also batted .207. Duran has two more seasons of team control left. If the Red Sox opt to tender a contract to Duran, the price will be higher than you'd expect after a tough campaign. If the Red Sox tender a deal, they could still easily try to find a trade partner. If they non-tender him, they would lose him to free agency. It's a tough decision. As of right now, the club arguably should tender a deal, but it's a real question mark.
Kutter Crawford — Starting Pitcher
Crawford is only projected to get roughly $2.8 million, per MLB Trade Rumors, but he also hasn't pitched in a big league game since 2024. Do you bet on Crawford getting healthy? Or do you simply cut bait now? A $2.8 million deal doesn't sound like much, but in the context of the payroll as a whole, it is impactful. We haven't seen Crawford on a big league mound since Sep. 28, 2024. There's a real chance that could've been the last time Crawford pitches for Boston.
Connor Wong — Catcher
Wong is projected to get $2 million in arbitration. That also doesn't sound like much. For Wong, it's not about the number as much as whether the Red Sox want to upgrade the backup catcher position. Ahead of the trade deadline, Boston went out and landed Adley Rutschman. But WEEI's Rob Bradford reported that Boston attempted to acquire Hunter Feduccia as well. If the Red Sox still view backup catcher as a place to add, it wouldn't be a shock to see Boston move on from Wong.
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