The Boston Red Sox are preparing for a nearly transformed starting rotation as the 2026 season approaches. Garrett Crochet is expected to remain the team’s ace, while newcomers Ranger Suárez, Sonny Gray, and Johan Oviedo will join the staff for the first time. These four pitchers appear set to secure their rotation roles, with the fifth spot likely to be claimed by Brayan Bello, who has made significant strides in recent seasons to become a dependable starter in Boston.
Brayan Bello Develops Curveball with Guidance from Ranger Suárez
Bello, now 26, has been adapting his pitching arsenal to improve his performance, focusing heavily on refining his curveball. Suárez, who features a curveball with a 24.5% whiff rate and a .192 batting average against in 2025, has worked closely with Bello to enhance this pitch. Bello described their collaboration,
“I always talk to him. We play catch together. So I was telling him that I was trying a new grip on my changeup, and he was telling me that it was good. And also I was asking for some advice on how to release the ball,”
according to Lauren Campbell of MassLive.
Bello’s curveball, once inconsistent throughout his career since signing with the Red Sox in 2017, is becoming a more regular part of his arsenal. If fully integrated, it will complement his sinker—described by Gray as “disgusting”—along with his sweeper, cutter, changeup, and four-seam fastball.
Prospect Payton Tolle Adds Curveball to Enhance Pitching Repertoire
Alongside Bello, rising pitching prospect Payton Tolle is also focused on incorporating a curveball to diversify his pitch selection. Tolle’s fastball is the strongest part of his arsenal, reaching speeds near 99 miles per hour, but his secondary pitches require development to maximize his effectiveness. Introducing the curveball is part of this effort to improve his overall approach on the mound.
Just trying to add wrinkles. We talked a lot about velo separation last year and this is another something we can throw at hitters to where they can’t just be ready for a fastball and cutter which are going to be hard pitches,
Tolle said in an interview with NESN.
Because Tolle’s secondary pitches need refinement, he is likely to begin the 2026 season in Triple-A. However, with progress, he could emerge as a valuable asset for the Red Sox later in the year and during a potential playoff push. His growing arsenal, particularly the addition of the curveball, will be crucial in his transition to a consistent major league presence, following his brief stint last summer.
Emerging Pitchers Could Strengthen Boston’s Rotation for the Future
The improvements made by Bello and Tolle come at a significant moment, as the Red Sox’s rotation continues to evolve. Sonny Gray has only one year remaining on his contract, which could open the door for Tolle to seamlessly slide into a rotation spot if he proves ready, particularly with an enhanced curveball offering. Meanwhile, Bello’s development into a reliable starter with an expanded pitch mix will keep hitters guessing and deepen Boston’s pool of starting pitchers.
These developments highlight the Red Sox’s strategy of cultivating versatile arms capable of competing at high levels, which could have a meaningful impact on the team’s success in the 2026 season and beyond.
Payton Tolle added a curveball to his arsenal 😳
Good luck to opposing teams 😅 pic.twitter.com/8MN66hUUZI
— NESN (@NESN) February 11, 2026
