Red Sox sign Whitlock to 4-year extension reportedly worth $18.75M

The Boston Red Sox rewarded right-hander Garrett Whitlock with a four-year contract extension that also includes club options in 2027 and 2028, the team announced Sunday.

The deal, which will take effect next season, is worth $18.75 million in guaranteed money, a source told MassLive's Chris Cotillo. Whitlock can earn a total of $44.5 million over the life of the contract through options and various incentive clauses, according to Cotillo.

The two club options can also increase to a maximum of $4 million through escalator clauses based on innings pitched and awards, according to Cotillo and ESPN's Kiley McDaniel.

Whitlock's contract will cover all three of his arbitration years. If both club options are exercised, he won't be eligible for free agency for an extra two seasons. He'll also remain eligible for the pre-arbitration bonus pool over the next two campaigns, according to WEEI's Rob Bradford.

Boston selected Whitlock from the New York Yankees in the 2020 Rule 5 Draft while he was still recovering from Tommy John surgery. After returning to full health, the 25-year-old emerged as an important bullpen weapon for manager Alex Cora, posting a 1.96 ERA, 2.84 FIP, and 1.10 WHIP with 81 strikeouts and two saves during his rookie season.

Whitlock continued his stellar performance in the playoffs, posting a 2.16 ERA in five October appearances to help the Red Sox reach the ALCS.