Are the 2026 Red Sox Correctly Managing Their Young Starters?
On a late August afternoon in the Bronx, Red Sox rookie Jake Bennett confirmed the kind of pitcher he can be. In a key game against the Yankees, Bennett threw six great innings, allowing no runs on just three hits and recording seven strikeouts. It was a performance on par with his best this season, as he has proven himself to be an incredible asset to an up-and-coming team. The only caveat to his season is the unprecedented amount of time he and other players have spent on the mound. Is the approach sustainable? Can the rotation continue its success for another month and beyond?
The 25-year-old has already had a record-breaking year. This is the most he has ever thrown in a season, surpassing all collegiate and Minor League numbers. The fatigue seemed to show at the beginning of the month, so the team gave him a longer rest before the New York outing. The break seemed beneficial, but it’s unclear how often that will be the norm going forward. Boston is keeping their eyes on another rookie starter, Payton Tolle. Tolle, forecasted to be a secret weapon in 2026, has surpassed lofty expectations, producing a stat sheet among the league’s best. The concerns about his arm strength are identical, so manager Chad Tracy seems to be limiting his pitch count lately, rarely letting him go deep into games.
It is hard to say exactly how fatigued Tolle and Bennett may be. They are two incredibly positive interviewees and competitive players. If allowed, they could stay on the mound until their arms fell off. The reasoning for being conservative now is two-fold. First, of course, you want them as healthy as possible for a potential postseason series. Second, and perhaps more important, is the team's long-term future. Garrett Crochet is a cautionary tale, as the lefty threw more than anyone in the American League last year. He was stellar, but that use is a key reason he hasn’t seen the field in months. These youngsters can be building blocks for years, provided they are handled with care.
