The Boston Red Sox recently announced that starter Brayan Bello will not be ready for Opening Day and will start the season on the injured list.
This news opens the door for other young Boston pitchers to get the chance to prove themselves in the Red Sox rotation.
According to a Bleacher Report article by Joel Reuter, where he predicts every team’s Opening Day rotation, he names Quinn Priester as Boston’s fifth starter.
Boston has a strong top three with Garrett Crochet being the ace, up-and-coming star Tanner Houck, and veteran Walker Buehler are the front-line guys. With Bello and Kutter Crawford dealing with injuries, Priester will likely see meaningful innings early in the season.
Bello threw 162.1 innings last season, which is a lot to make up when there are still questions surrounding the back end of the Red Sox rotation.
The last starter battle is reportedly between Priester and Richard Fitts, and while a name hasn’t officially been announced, many believe Priester is slightly ahead due to his former top-prospect status. The race is likely going to be won within the last couple of weeks of Spring Training.
Here is how Reuter broke down the battle:
“They also have a camp battle between Quinn Priester and Richard Fitts to sort out now that Brayan Bello and Kutter Crawford are both starting the year on the injured list.”
The Red Sox’ biggest question mark going into the 2025 season is how the back of the rotation will produce. They are already seemingly going to take a chance on a young-arm with Priester or Fitts, but Lucas Giolito is another arm that needs to be productive for Boston.
