The Red Sox are back in action, and fans are in for a surprise as manager Alex Cora has lined up an unexpected starter for the team's spring training opener. Facing off against Northeastern at JetBlue Park, 26-year-old right-hander Tyler Uberstine will take the mound, marking a significant moment in his unconventional journey to the big leagues.
So, who exactly is Tyler Uberstine? Hailing from Santa Monica, California, Uberstine's path to the Red Sox is anything but typical.
Once cut from his college team and overlooked by scouts, he caught the eye of Red Sox scout Alonzo Wright in 2021. Despite pitching in only 13 college games for Northwestern, Uberstine was selected in the 19th round of the draft, driven by Wright's instinctive belief in his potential.
Uberstine's story is one of perseverance. Before Northwestern, he attempted to make the roster at USC but didn’t succeed.
Even in high school, his time on the mound was limited, playing fewer than 10 innings for Chaminade Prep. Yet, against the odds, Uberstine has climbed the ranks to become the No. 16 prospect in the Red Sox system, according to Baseball America.
After overcoming Tommy John surgery, Uberstine's talent earned him a spot on Boston's 40-man roster in December, safeguarding him from the Rule 5 draft. While making the major league roster out of camp remains a challenge, his selection as the first pitcher of spring training speaks volumes.
Cora describes Uberstine as “intriguing” with a unique arm angle and impressive strike-throwing ability. Alongside Uberstine, non-roster invitees Wyatt Olds, Noah Song, and Jeremy Wu-Yell are also set to pitch against the Huskies.
Looking ahead, the Red Sox will kick off their Grapefruit League schedule against major league teams. Left-hander Payton Tolle, the No. 2 overall prospect, will start against the Minnesota Twins. Following him, Brayan Bello will face the Toronto Blue Jays, and rookie Connelly Early, who made a mark in last year's Wild Card Series, will go against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet, the 2025 AL Cy Young runner-up, is set to make his debut on Feb. 26 against the Rays, adding to the excitement as the team gears up for another promising season.