Right-hander Garrett Whitlock’s $8.25 million option exercised by Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox exercised pitcher Garrett Whitlock's $8.25 million club option for the 2027 season, preventing him from entering free agency. The 30-year-old right-hander delivered a strong campaign, posting a 7-2 record alongside a career-best 1.72 ERA and four saves across 54 relief appearances while striking out 59 batters over 52 1/3 innings.

Whitlock originally signed an $18.75 million, four-year contract with Boston in April 2022 that featured two club options. Exercising the 2027 option allowed Boston to avoid a $1 million buyout, and the team retains an additional $10.5 million option for 2028 with a $500,000 buyout despite Whitlock missing time with knee and elbow inflammation during the season.