Connelly

Early

Early also posted a 29 percent whiff rate and 31 percent CSW while showing off his advanced six-pitch mix. The 24-year-old started last year in Double-A and made just six starts in Triple-A, so the Red Sox are hesitant to push him for a full MLB season if they don’t need to. The organization would also gain an extra year of control over Early if he remains in the minor leagues for the early portion of the season, so, with Johan Oviedo and Patrick Sandoval also capable of being the fifth starting pitcher, it seems highly likely that Early will begin the year in Triple-A.

Early averaged 94.8 mph with his fastball today, which is up from 93.4 mph in Triple-A and 94.0 mph in his four major league starts last season. There’s probably nothing Early can do to earn a spot in Boston’s rotation this spring, but he and fellow lefty Payton Tolle should both be factors over the course of the year.

Crawford added that he’s fully healthy entering spring training after missing last season with knee and wrist issues that ultimately required a mid-summer procedure on his wrist. The 29-year-old figures to transition to a versatile swingman role, likely operating in long relief for the Red Sox next season, but he could be in the mix for one of their final rotation spots along with veterans Johan Oviedo and Patrick Sandoval in addition to top prospects Connelly Early and Payton Tolle.

That same source also says that top pitching prospect Connelly Early wasn’t part of the trade deadline offer for Ryan. The Twins would presumably want either Early or Payton Tolle as part of a Ryan deal. The Red Sox would still surely love to have Ryan, but they have plenty of starting pitching depth at the moment and seem to be more focused on their lineup.

There is nothing in motion right now, but Speier notes that the Royals have specifically stated that nobody on their roster is “off limits.” The Royals have shown a reluctance to deal veterans Seth Lugo and Michal Wacha, and they have said that Ragans would only be dealt if a “big return” was coming their way. However, the Red Sox have the pieces to put together that kind of return. The Royals are looking for a right-handed outfielder, but also reportedly “won’t be tethered to the notion,” which means the Red Sox could put together an offer that includes Jarren Duran, one of Connelly Early or Payton Tolle, and other prospects in order to acquire Ragans. It’s also possible that the Red Sox might be willing to part with Kristian Campbell, who seems best suited for the outfield, but doesn’t really have a place in Boston right now. This is a situation to monitor.

The 23-year-old rookie southpaw punched out six batters on the night while allowing just one base on balls. He cruised through the first three innings, allowing just two hits and striking out five. Everything changed as the Red Sox let a routine fly ball drop in for a bloop double to open the fourth. Giancarlo Stanton followed with a walk and then after a strikeout of Ben Rice the Yankees had three straight singles before Jazz Chisholm Jr. reached on an error as the inning spiraled out of control. Even with the rough outing to finish the season, there’s plenty to like about Early heading into the 2026 season and he should be in good position to land a spot in the Red Sox’ Opening Day rotation.

It’ll be the biggest start of the 23-year-old top pitching prospect’s career. The rookie southpaw looked outstanding in four late-season starts after ascending to the big leagues and he’ll make his postseason debut on Thursday evening at Yankee Stadium with a chance to send Boston to an ALDS matchup against the Blue Jays. Get your popcorn ready.

Bello will take the ball for a pivotal Game 2 matchup at Yankee Stadium with Lucas Giolito (elbow) done for the postseason. The 26-year-old was a reliable mid-rotation arm for the Red Sox during the regular season, posting a career-best 3.35 ERA across 166 2/3 innings over 29 appearances (28 starts). Boston skipper Alex Cora indicated it’ll likely be rookie southpaw Connelly Early drawing the starting assignment for a win-or-go-home Game 3 contest, if necessary.

It sounds like Giolito’s latest elbow issue isn’t going to require additional surgery, so that’s good. Giolito appeared to finish the season healthy before the news came down Monday that he wouldn’t start Game 3 against the Yankees. Connolly Early is now the favorite to get the nod then, if needed. With no word yet on the exact injury for Giolito, it’s hard to say if he might be more inclined to pick up his half of a $19 million mutual option. Pre-injury, he almost certainly would have declined it and sought a multiyear deal in free agency.

This isn’t overly surprising, but it is worth noting with Lucas Giolito (elbow) out for this series. The Red Sox will likely turn to Early to start Game 3, if there is one, but both Harrison and Tolle remain options and could also provide bulk relief in Game 2 if Brayan Bello were to struggle.