The Boston Red Sox are actively cultivating a new generation of pitching talent with the potential to make significant contributions as early as next season. Among the young arms poised to bolster Boston’s roster are Payton Tolle and Connelly Early, who joined the team late in the season and could become impactful players by 2026. A number of additional promising pitchers are on the horizon.
According to MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo, five pitching prospects have caught attention as candidates for a major league debut next year: Kyson Witherspoon, Luis Perales, David Sandlin, Anthony Eyanson, and Hayden Mullins.
Witherspoon is particularly noteworthy, ranking No. 89 in MLB.com’s top 100 prospects overall and second among Red Sox farmhands, just behind middle infielder Franklin Arias. The 21-year-old lefty, who was drafted in the first round just a year ago, features an impressive mix of pitches that are known for their ability to strike out batters. Mayo notes, “Don’t be surprised if he starts the year in Double-A, and then he could be off to the races,” highlighting Witherspoon’s exciting potential.
Luis Perales has also shown promise, especially after a strong showing in the Arizona Fall League. The 22-year-old is on the road to recovery following Tommy John surgery and possesses the skill set to become a valuable asset in the majors. While an Opening Day roster spot may be a stretch, Mayo suggests, “the further he can put elbow surgery in his rearview mirror, the more he could increase his chances of making an impact, perhaps out of the bullpen.”
Among the prospects, Sandlin has been identified as the one closest to breaking into the big leagues after being added to Boston’s 40-man roster. The 6-foot-4 right-hander, who turns 25 in February, has performed well with a 4.50 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 106 innings this season.
Eyanson brings a solid reputation of strong pitching, particularly with a sharp slider that was instrumental in his success at LSU. While he hasn’t yet pitched professionally for Boston, Mayo believes rapid progress could see the 21-year-old making a jump to the majors by 2026.
Lastly, Hayden Mullins is under some scrutiny as the Red Sox may risk losing him in the upcoming Rule 5 Draft after he was not included on the 40-man roster. Mullins has exhibited strong performance, recording a 2.21 ERA with 123 strikeouts over 101 2/3 innings in 2025.
The Red Sox’s investment in these young pitchers exemplifies a commitment to building a competitive future. With a mix of promising talent and strategic recoveries from injuries, the organization may soon have a deep well of pitching prospects ready to make an immediate impact.