Boston Red Sox make commitment to Garrett Whitlock
Garrett Whitlock has been a pleasant surprise for the Boston Red Sox. Plucked from the Yankees organization during the 2020 Rule V Draft, he had undergone Tommy John surgery in 2019 and had never pitched at Triple-A. Nonetheless, the Red Sox felt that he could be a solid piece going forward, provided that he was able to do enough to remain on the major league roster for the entirety of the 2021 campaign.
Whitlock was able to do far more than just hang on. He emerged as a key part of the Red Sox bullpen, posting a 1.96 ERA and a 1.105 WHiP in his 73.1 innings, striking out 81 batters with 17 walks. It was understandable that he became a key part in the Boston bullpen by the end of the year.
Boston Red Sox lock Garrett Whitlock up for long term
The Red Sox certainly have high hopes for Whitlock going forward. They also made certain that he will remain in Boston for the foreseeable future, locking him up with a four year extension worth $18.75 million. The extension will begin in 2023 and includes team options for 2027 and 2028 that are worth a combined $18.75 million. Escalators in the contract can also increase those options by $4 million each year.
His future role is uncertain at this point. Whitlock had been a starter in his minor league career, and the Red Sox plan on using him in a piggyback capacity behind Rich Hill to begin the year. It is possible that, at some point, he will return to the rotation.
However, Whitlock was also considered to be a possibility for the ninth inning heading into the season. Matt Barnes was hardly a given, having lost his grasp on the closer role last year and even being left off the postseason roster. His future could end up being the answer for the ninth inning that the Red Sox have been searching for.
No matter what, it is clear that the Red Sox retain those high hopes for Whitlock. He is going to be a key part of their future plans, especially now that they have an additional two years of team control.
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The Boston Red Sox have signed Garrett Whitlock to a four year extension. No matter what his future role will be, he is a key part of their future.