The Boston Red Sox are heading into 2026 with a rotation that looks a whole lot different-and potentially a whole lot better. Garrett Crochet is still the top dog, but he'll be joined by three new faces in Ranger Suárez, Sonny Gray, and Johan Oviedo. That’s a serious shakeup, and it’s one that could give Boston the kind of depth and versatility it’s been missing in recent years.
Crochet, Suárez, Gray, and Oviedo are all but locked into rotation spots barring any spring surprises or setbacks. But the fifth spot? That’s where things get interesting-and that’s where Brayan Bello enters the picture.
Bello has quietly developed into one of the more intriguing young arms in the American League. Over the past two seasons, he’s taken real strides forward, not just in results but in how he attacks hitters. Now, he’s adding another layer to his game: a revamped curveball, thanks in part to some help from new teammate Ranger Suárez.
Suárez, known for his own effective curve, has been working with Bello during early throwing sessions. The two have been playing catch, talking grips, and breaking down release points.
Bello said Suárez gave him some valuable feedback as he experimented with a new changeup grip and sought advice on refining his curve. That’s the kind of collaboration that can pay real dividends over a long season.
Suárez’s curveball was a weapon last year-opponents hit just .192 against it, and it generated a 24.5% whiff rate. If Bello can add a version of that pitch to his already solid mix, it could be a game-changer.
He’s already got a nasty sinker (Sonny Gray even called it “disgusting”), plus a sweeper, cutter, changeup, and four-seamer. A reliable curve would give him another way to keep hitters guessing.
Bello’s not the only one in the organization tinkering with a new wrinkle. Top pitching prospect Payton Tolle is also working on a curveball to round out his arsenal.
Tolle’s fastball touches 99 mph and is already his calling card, but the rest of his pitch mix is still catching up. That’s where the curveball comes in-a potential equalizer that could help him better separate velocity and keep hitters off balance.
“Just trying to add wrinkles,” Tolle said. “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.”
Tolle’s raw stuff is undeniable, but his secondary pitches still need seasoning. That likely means he’ll begin the year in Triple-A, where he can continue to develop his curve and fine-tune the rest of his repertoire. But don’t be surprised if he’s back in the big leagues before long-especially if the Red Sox find themselves in the thick of a playoff race and need an extra arm down the stretch.
Long term, both Bello and Tolle could be key pieces in Boston’s rotation puzzle. Gray is only signed for one season, and if Tolle proves ready, he could slide right into that spot with a fresh curveball and a more complete arsenal. Bello, meanwhile, is already a proven big-league starter, but the addition of another quality pitch could help him take that next step-from reliable to dominant.
The Red Sox are clearly investing in more than just names-they’re investing in development, adaptability, and upside. With a retooled rotation and young arms evolving in real time, Boston’s pitching staff could be a very different-and very dangerous-unit in 2026 and beyond.