Tag: pitching prospects

Red Sox promote pitching prospect Barrett Morgan to High-A Greenville

The Red Sox have promoted pitching prospect Barrett Morgan from Low-A Salem to High-A Greenville, per the MiLB.com transactions log.

Morgan is currently regarded by SoxProspects.com as Boston’s No. 39 prospect, ranking 15th among pitchers in the organization. The 21-year-old right-hander is in his first full professional season after being selected in the 11th round (328th overall) of last summer’s draft out of Cowley College (KS). Instead of transferring to Texas A&M, he signed with the Red Sox for an above-slot $500,000 bonus.

Morgan did not pitch for an affiliate after signing, instead debuting with Salem in early April. In 13 outings (nine starts) for the RidgeYaks, he posted a 2.74 ERA with 46 strikeouts to 18 walks over 46 innings. Opposing Carolina League hitters slashed .176/.258/.242 in 187 plate appearances against him.

After leaving his June 23 start against Myrtle Beach early, Morgan was placed on Salem’s 7-day injured list. The righty rehabbed in Fort Myers before returning to the RidgeYaks earlier this month. He last pitched on August 15, allowing one unearned run on one hit, one walk, and two strikeouts over two innings of relief against Delmarva.

Entering play Wednesday, Morgan was one of 102 pitchers who have thrown at least 45 innings in the Carolina League this season. Among those 102, he ranked fourth in batting average against, sixth in WHIP (1.02), eighth in FIP (3.18), 12th in line-drive rate (19%), 13th in ERA, 32nd in walks per nine (3.52), 36th in walk rate (9.6%), 40th in swinging-strike rate (12.4%), 43rd in strikeout rate (24.6%), and 51st in xFIP (4.43), according to FanGraphs.

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, Morgan throws from a high-three-quarters arm slot and incorporates a high leg kick into his delivery. As noted in his SoxProspects.com scouting report, the Oklahoma-born hurler features a 92-95 mph fastball that has been up to 97 mph, an 87-89 mph cutter, a 79-83 mph curveball, and an 82-83 mph changeup.

Morgan, who does not turn 22 until next March, is the fourth pitcher from his draft class to make the jump from Salem to Greenville this season, joining eighth-rounder Dylan Brown, ninth-rounder Jacob Mayers, and 16th-rounder Jason Gilman. He should provide the playoff-hopeful Drive with additional pitching depth from the right side down the stretch.

(Picture of Barrett Morgan: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox promote pitching prospect Jedixson Paez to Triple-A Worcester

The Red Sox have promoted pitching prospect Jedixson Paez from Double-A Portland to Triple-A Worcester, as first reported by SoxProspects.com’s Andrew Parker. He is scheduled to start for the WooSox and make his Triple-A debut on Thursday, according to The Worcester Telegram & Gazette’s Tommy Cassell.

Paez began the 2026 season with the White Sox after being selected by them in December’s Rule 5 Draft. The 22-year-old right-hander made Chicago’s Opening Day roster but struggled in three relief appearances, allowing six earned runs on four hits (including two home runs), three walks, and no strikeouts over three innings. He was designated for assignment on April 1 and returned to the Red Sox for $50,000 three days later.

Having never pitched above the High-A level before this season, it is not surprising that Paez had a rough time in his brief major league debut with the White Sox. After returning to the Red Sox, he reported to Portland and put together a solid four-month stretch leading up to Wednesday’s promotion.

In 17 appearances (seven starts) for the Sea Dogs, Paez posted a 4.41 ERA and 3.78 FIP with 56 strikeouts to just five walks over 49 innings. Eastern League opponents slashed .241/.264/.417 in 193 plate appearances against him. He has proven particularly effective when facing right-handed hitters, limiting them to a .233/.255/.388 line across the majors and minors this year.

Among 92 pitchers who entered play Wednesday having thrown at least 45 innings in the Eastern League this season, Paez ranked first in swinging-strike rate (19.3%), walks per nine (0.92), and walk rate (2.6%), third in xFIP (3.25), fifth in WHIP (1.02), 15th in strikeout rate (29%), 18th in FIP, 29th in groundball rate (46.2%), 31st in strikeouts per nine (10.29), and 38th in batting average against and ERA, per FanGraphs.

Originally signed for $450,000 as an international free agent out of Venezuela in January 2021, Paez is currently regarded by Baseball America as Boston’s No. 22 prospect, which ranks eighth among the organization’s pitchers. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound righty has made a name for himself thanks to a strong command-and-control profile. Stuff-wise, he features a 91-92 mph fastball that reaches 94 mph, an upper-80s cutter, a mid-80s changeup, a lower-80s slider, and an upper-70s curveball.

Now in Triple-A for the first time, Paez — who does not turn 23 until next January — has put himself in a position to get back to the majors with the Red Sox for the stretch run. At the very least, he can build a case for a spot on Boston’s 40-man roster this winter, which would keep him from being Rule 5-eligible for the second straight offseason.

(Picture of Jedixson Paez: Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Red Sox promote pitching prospect Jacob Mayers to High-A Greenville

The Red Sox have promoted pitching prospect Jacob Mayers from Low-A Salem to High-A Greenville, as was first reported by Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com.

Mayers is currently regarded by SoxProspects.com as Boston’s No. 44 prospect, ranking 19th among the organization’s pitching prospects. The 22-year-old right-hander is making his professional debut this season after being selected by the Red Sox in the ninth round (268th overall) of last summer’s draft out of Louisiana State. He received a below-slot $190,000 signing bonus.

In 15 appearances (eight starts) for Salem to begin the 2026 campaign, Mayers posted a 4.27 ERA with 64 strikeouts to 42 walks over 46 1/3 innings. Opposing Carolina League hitters slashed .175/.363/.299 in 204 plate appearances against him.

Among 75 Carolina League pitchers who entered play Friday having thrown at least 45 innings this season, Mayers ranks second in batting average against, fourth in strikeouts per nine innings (12.43), fifth in strikeout rate (31.4%) and swinging-strike rate (16.3%), 19th in groundball rate (48.9%), and 35th in ERA. On the flip side, he also ranks 70th in walks per nine (8.16) and 74th in walk rate (20.6%), according to FanGraphs.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and 205 pounds, Mayers throws from a high-three-quarters arm slot and operates with a three-pitch mix. The Louisiana-born hurler has been up to 96-97 mph with his upper-90s fastball this season after topping out at 101.8 mph with it in college. He also features an 88-91 mph slider and an 84-86 mph changeup, per his SoxProspects.com scouting report.

While Mayers — who just turned 22 last month — can miss bats at an exceptional rate, there are questions surrounding his ability to consistently throw strikes. If he can refine his command and control, he could elevate his stock even further as he looks to put the finishing touches on his first full season in pro ball.

(Picture of Jacob Mayers: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox promote pitching prospect Hayden Mullins to Triple-A Worcester

The Red Sox have promoted pitching prospect Hayden Mullins from Double-A Portland to Triple-A Worcester, as was first reported by Tommy Cassell of The Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

Mullins was slated to start Worcester’s series opener against Rochester at Polar Park on Tuesday, but it was postponed due to inclement weather. The 25-year-old left-hander will now presumably get the starting nod and make his Triple-A debut in either Game 1 or 2 of Wednesday’s scheduled doubleheader.

Mullins is reaching the minors’ highest level for the first time following an up-and-down start to his season with Portland. In 12 outings (11 starts) for the Sea Dogs out of the gate, the southpaw posted a 5.85 ERA with 73 strikeouts to 31 walks over 47 2/3 innings in which Eastern League opponents batted .215 against him. That includes a .182 mark against left-handed hitters and a .236 mark against right-handed hitters.

Among 49 pitchers who entered play Tuesday having thrown at least 45 innings in the Eastern League this year, Mullins ranked first in strikeouts per nine (13.78), second in strikeout rate (34.8%), fourth in swinging-strike rate (15.7%), sixth in batting average against, 16th in FIP (4.16), and 17th in xFIP (4.13). On the flip side, he also ranked 28th in WHIP (1.43), 40th in ERA, and 46th in walks per nine (5.85) and walk rate (14.8%), according to FanGraphs.

Mullins is currently ranked by Baseball America as Boston’s No. 21 prospect, placing 12th among the system’s pitchers. The Tennessee native was originally selected by the Red Sox in the 12th round (369th overall) of the 2022 draft out of Auburn. He signed for just $97,500 but did not make his professional debut until the following August, as he was recovering from the Tommy John surgery that cut his junior season short.

After splitting the remainder of the 2023 campaign between the Florida Complex League and Low-A Salem, Mullins spent all of 2024 and the first part of 2025 with High-A Greenville before arriving at Portland last April. He fared well in his first stint with the Sea Dogs despite missing time in May due to shoulder fatigue, forging a 2.44 ERA across 18 starts (84 2/3 innings) en route to being recognized as the team’s Pitcher of the Year.

Even in light of that production, Mullins was somewhat surprisingly left off the Red Sox’ 40-man roster last November, leaving him available to other clubs in December’s Rule 5 Draft. He did not get picked, however, and remains in the organization without occupying a 40-man spot.

Listed at 6-foot and 194 pounds, Mullins possesses plus extension and features a 93-94 mph fastball that is capable of reaching 96 mph. The lefty also mixes in an 81-85 mph slider, a 77-80 mph sweeper, an 81-83 mph changeup, and a recently-implemented cutter. His secondaries are considered by Baseball America to be “inconsistent,” even though they “can all miss bats.”

Mullins, who turns 26 in September, can once again become Rule 5-eligible this winter if he is not added to Boston’s 40-man roster by the November protection deadline. Barring a trade or another move between now and then, he can further strengthen his case for a roster spot with a strong showing down the stretch at Worcester.

(Picture of Hayden Mullins: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox prospect Blake Wehunt earns second consecutive Eastern League Pitcher of the Week honor

Red Sox pitching prospect Blake Wehunt has once again been named the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week, Minor League Baseball announced on Monday.

Wehunt, who took home the honor last week, turned in another award-winning performance for Double-A Portland on Sunday afternoon. Despite issuing four walks and hitting one batter in his start against Altoona, the 25-year-old right-hander struck out nine and allowed just one hit over five scoreless innings at Hadlock Field.

Finishing with 89 pitches (47 strikes), Wehunt generated 11 whiffs and topped out at 96.2 mph with his fastball. He also earned the win as the Sea Dogs blanked the Curve, 10-0, behind four additional scoreless, one-hit frames of relief from fellow righty Jedixson Paez, who fanned eight to record his first professional save.

Following Sunday’s outing, Wehunt is now 4-4 with a 3.38 ERA and a 66-to-16 strikeout-to-walk ratio through 12 starts (48 innings) for Portland this season. After missing time in April with a left hamstring strain, he has limited Eastern League opponents to a .230 batting average. That includes a .267 clip against left-handed hitters and a .196 clip against right-handed hitters.

Among the 49 pitchers who have thrown at least 45 innings in the Eastern League this year, Wehunt ranks third in strikeouts per nine (12.38), strikeout rate (33.7%), and xFIP (3.37), sixth in WHIP (1.19), seventh in ERA, eighth in FIP (3.59), 10th in batting average against, 15th in walks per nine (3.00), 16th in groundball rate (45.5%), and 17th in walk rate (8.2%), according to FanGraphs.

Wehunt is regarded by Baseball America as Boston’s No. 22 prospect, ranking 13th among the system’s pitchers. The Georgia-born chicken farmer was originally selected by the Red Sox in the ninth round (268th overall) of the 2023 draft out of Kennesaw State. He signed for just $100,000 that July and quickly climbed the organizational ladder during his first full professional season in 2024 before a lat strain limited him to 63 1/3 innings with Portland last year.

In addition to a mid-90s fastball that can reach 97 mph, the 6-foot-7, 240-pound Wehunt features a wide-ranging group of secondary offerings, including an 89-91 mph cutter, an 83-86 mph sweeper, and an 85-87 mph splitter. His other secondaries are considered by Baseball America to be “more change-of-pace pitches that can be effective in sequence.”

Wehunt, who turns 26 in November, is the first player in Portland franchise history to earn Eastern League Player/Pitcher of the Week honors in consecutive weeks. Given his recent success — along with the fact that he will become Rule 5-eligible after the season if he is not added to Boston’s 40-man roster — a promotion to Triple-A Worcester would appear to be a logical next step in his development.

(Picture of Blake Wehunt courtesy of the Portland Sea Dogs)

Red Sox prospect Blake Wehunt named Eastern League Pitcher of the Week

Red Sox pitching prospect Blake Wehunt has been named the Eastern League Pitcher of the week for the week of June 22-28, Minor League Baseball announced on Monday.

Wehunt dazzled for Double-A Portland in Sunday’s series finale against Hartford on the road. Pitching for the first time in 12 days, the 25-year-old right-hander allowed just one hit and no walks while striking out eight over six scoreless innings at Dunkin’ Park. He retired 18 of the 19 batters he faced on 71 pitches (50 strikes), generating seven whiffs and topping out at 95.5 mph with his fastball as the Sea Dogs blanked the Yard Goats, 6-0.

Following a rough 2026 debut in which he was tagged for three runs in one-third of an inning, Wehunt went on the 7-day injured list with a left hamstring strain on April 4. Since returning to the mound on April 22, the righty has forged a 3.16 ERA with 57 strikeouts to 11 walks over his last 10 starts (42 2/3 innings) for Portland.

Altogether, Wehunt owns a 3.77 ERA with 57 strikeouts to 12 walks through 11 starts (43 innings) for the Sea Dogs this season. He has held opponents to a .245/.301/.387 clip. That consists of a .295/.368/.436 line against left-handed hitters and a .200/.236/.341 line against right-handed hitters.

Among the 55 pitchers who have thrown at least 40 innings in the Eastern League this year, Wehunt ranks fourth in strikeouts per nine (11.93), strikeout rate (32.4%), and xFIP (3.27), 10th in FIP (3.65), walks per nine (2.51) and WHIP (1.21), 11th in walk rate (6.8%), 13th in ERA, and 20th in groundball rate (45.2%), according to FanGraphs.

A Georgia native who grew up working on his family’s chicken farm, Wehunt was originally selected by the Red Sox in the ninth round (268th overall) of the 2023 draft out of Kennesaw State. He received a below-slot $100,000 signing bonus and made his professional debut that August before moving up from Low-A to High-A to Double-A as part of a strong 2024 campaign. Last season, he was tested and limited to just 63 1/3 innings with Portland due to a lat strain.

Wehunt is currently ranked by Baseball America as Boston’s No. 26 prospect, placing 14th among pitchers in the organization. In addition to a mid-90s fastball that can reach 97 mph, the 6-foot-7, 240-pound hurler features an 89-91 mph cutter, an 83-86 mph sweeper, and an 85-87 mph splitter.

Given how he has fared with Portland as of late, it would not be surprising to see Wehunt — who turns 26 in November — earn a promotion to Triple-A Worcester in the near future. That possibility is worth noting since he can become Rule 5-eligible for the first time this winter if the Red Sox do not add him to their 40-man roster by the protection deadline.

(Picture of Blake Wehunt courtesy of the Portland Sea Dogs)

How Red Sox pitching prospect Gage Ziehl is faring with Double-A Portland

After a rocky start to his first season in the organization, Red Sox pitching prospect Gage Ziehl appears to be settling in with Double-A Portland.

Ziehl showed as much in his latest start for Portland this past Friday night by striking out seven consecutive batters at one point. Going up against Somerset at Hadlock Field, the 23-year-old right-hander retired seven straight Patriots hitters via strikeout from the first inning through the middle of the third.

The streak ended when Somerset’s Garrett Martin grounded out to lead off the fourth, leaving Ziehl one shy of the Sea Dogs’ franchise record of eight consecutive strikeouts set by Clay Buchholz in 2007.

In all, Ziehl struck out a career-high of nine without issuing a walk over five solid innings in which he allowed two earned runs on four hits. The righty threw 76 pitches (54 strikes), generating 12 whiffs and topping out at 94.5 mph with his fastball. He also picked up the winning decision as the Sea Dogs defeated the Patriots by a final score of 6-2.

Following Friday’s performance, Ziehl is now 3-2 with a 4.56 ERA and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 61:10 through 11 starts (53 1/3 innings) for Portland this season. Dating back to May 24, however, he has forged a 2.55 ERA with 30 strikeouts to seven walks across his last five outings and 24 2/3 innings. Opponents are batting just .207 against him in that stretch.

Among the 37 pitchers who have thrown at least 50 innings in the Eastern League this year, Ziehl owns the best walks-per-nine mark (1.69) and walk rate (4.3%). He also ranks third in xFIP (3.43), seventh in groundball rate (52.3%), 10th in FIP (4.14), strikeouts per nine (10.29), and strikeout rate (26.4%), and 14th in WHIP (1.33), according to FanGraphs.

Ziehl, who turned 23 last month, was acquired by the Red Sox in February as part of a trade with the White Sox that sent fellow righties Jordan Hicks and David Sandlin, two players to be named later, and cash to Chicago. Boston also received a player to be named later in the deal.

That marked the second time that Ziehl, a former fourth-round draft pick of the Yankees out of the University of Miami in 2024, had been traded since beginning his professional career. New York sent him to Chicago in exchange for veteran outfielder Austin Slater last July.

Now on his third organization, Ziehl is currently regarded by MLB Pipeline as Boston’s No. 20 prospect, ranking 11th among pitchers in the system. In addition to boasting a strong command profile and a mid-90s fastball, the 6-foot, 223-pound hurler features an 88-91 mph cutter, an 83-87 mph sweeper, a 79-82 mph curveball, and an 86-88 mph changeup.

Barring another trade between now and the August 3 deadline, it would not be all that surprising to see Ziehl work his way up to Triple-A Worcester before the end of the season. He could strengthen his case for such a promotion if he continues pitching the way he has as of late.

(Picture of Gage Ziehl courtesy of the Portland Sea Dogs)

Red Sox’ Anthony Eyanson named Eastern League Pitcher of the Week

Top Red Sox pitching prospect Anthony Eyanson has been named the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week for the week of May 18-24, Minor League Baseball announced on Monday.

Eyanson fired five scoreless, no-hit innings in his second start for Double-A Portland against Reading at Hadlock Field this past Tuesday. The 21-year-old right-hander issued three walks and struck out four of the 16 batters he faced on 59 pitches (38 strikes). He generated eight whiffs and picked up the first win of his professional career as the Sea Dogs blanked the Fightin Phils, 2-0.

Described as having an “interesting outing” by Baseball America’s Ian Cundall, Eyanson’s “stuff wasn’t as crisp as past looks, but still effective” on Tuesday. He “leaned into” his new cutter and slider while also mixing in a four-seam fastball that topped out at 94 mph, a curveball, and a changeup.

Through his first two starts for Portland, Eyanson has allowed just one earned run on three hits, four walks, and eight strikeouts over nine innings. That comes after he posted a 0.44 ERA with 34 strikeouts to three walks in five starts (20 1/3 innings) for High-A Greenville before being promoted earlier this month.

Between the two levels, Eyanson has forged a minuscule 0.61 ERA with 42 strikeouts to seven walks across seven starts (29 1/3 innings) to begin his first full season in pro ball. Opponents have batted only .108 against him. That includes a .109 average against left-handed hitters and a .106 average against right-handed hitters.

Entering play this week, Eyanson was one of 686 minor leaguers to have thrown at least 25 innings this year. Among those 686, he ranked first in ERA, WHIP (0.58), and xFIP (2.41), third in strikeout rate (41.6%), fourth in batting average against and swinging-strike rate (19.4%), 12th in FIP (2.47), 57th in strikeouts per nine (12.89), 71st in walks per nine (2.15), 110th in groundball rate (52%), and 120th in walk rate (6.9%), per FanGraphs.

Selected with the 87th pick in last summer’s draft out of Louisiana State, Eyanson has seen his stock rise significantly since signing with the Red Sox for an over-slot $1.75 million bonus. The 6-foot-2, 208-pound California native added significant velocity to his arsenal over the course of the offseason and stood out in spring training with an upper-90s fastball that touched triple digits.

Less than eight weeks after breaking camp with Greenville and making his pro debut on April 4, Eyanson finds himself ranked by Baseball America as Boston’s No. 2 prospect — behind only shortstop Franklin Arias — and the No. 43 prospect in baseball.

Eyanson, who does not turn 22 until October, is the third Portland hurler to earn Eastern League Player of the Week honors this season, joining fellow righties Patrick Halligan (May 11-17) and John Holobetz (April 13-19). If he maintains this level of performance, a promotion to Triple-A Worcester and a potential fast track to the big leagues could soon be in his future.

(Picture of Anthony Eyanson: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox pitching prospect Juan Valera undergoes Tommy John surgery

Red Sox pitching prospect Juan Valera underwent Tommy John surgery on Tuesday, according to senior director of player development Brian Abraham.

“Juan Valera underwent successful reconstruction of the right elbow ulnar collateral ligament yesterday,” Abraham told The Boston Globe on Wednesday. “The procedure was performed by Dr. Jeffrey R. Dugas at Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, Ala.”

Valera, who turns 20 later this month, injured his pitching elbow in the second inning of his third start of the season for High-A Greenville on April 16. The young right-hander was in visible discomfort after delivering his 22nd pitch of the night. He crouched behind the mound and talked with his teammates and coaches before leaving the field with a trainer.

Initially, the injury was diagnosed as elbow inflammation. The Red Sox held off on imaging until the swelling subsided, then sent Valera for additional opinions last week. It appears the most recent MRI revealed the worst-case scenario, prompting the decision to have Valera go under the knife on Tuesday.

For Valera, Tuesday’s surgery marks the abrupt end to a 2026 season that got off to a promising start. In three starts for Greenville, the 6-foot-3, 205-pound righty allowed just two earned runs over 9 1/3 innings (1.93 ERA), striking out 17 and walking four while holding opposing hitters to a .125 batting average. He reached 101.7 mph with his upper-90s fastball on April 9 and also incorporated a slider, sweeper, and changeup into his pitch mix.

A native of the Dominican Republic, Valera originally signed with the Red Sox for $45,000 as an international free agent in April 2023. Following an uninspiring professional debut in the 2023 Dominican Summer League, he broke out in 2024 by earning Florida Complex League All-Star honors and reaching Low-A Salem. He broke camp with High-A Greenville as an 18-year-old last spring, but was limited to just 10 starts (38 innings) in 2025 due to elbow soreness.

Valera entered 2026 ranked by Baseball America as the No. 4 pitching prospect in Boston’s farm system, behind lefties Payton Tolle and Connelly Early and righty Kyson Witherspoon. He briefly cracked the outlet’s top 100 prospects list at No. 100 thanks to his hot start, but has since dropped out of the rankings.

In addition to missing the remainder of the 2026 season, Valera will likely be sidelined for much of 2027 as well. That timeline is noteworthy, as he is set to become Rule 5-eligible for the first time that winter.

(Picture of Juan Valera: Gwinn Davis/Greenville Drive)

Red Sox promote pitching prospect Dylan Brown to High-A Greenville

The Red Sox have promoted pitching prospect Dylan Brown from Low-A Salem to High-A Greenville, as was first reported by Chris Hatfield of SoxProspects.com.

Brown, who turns 22 next month, was Boston’s eighth-round pick (238th overall) in last summer’s draft out of Old Dominion. The left-hander received an at-slot $229,000 signing bonus but did not make his professional debut until April 2. He has since gotten his pro career off to a promising start.

In five starts for Salem, Brown forged a 2.31 ERA with 32 strikeouts to 13 walks over 23 1/3 innings in which he held Carolina League opponents to just a .181/.299/.241 clip. That includes a .167/.274/.185 line against right-handed hitters and a .207/.343/.345 line against left-handed hitters.

Among 23 qualified Carolina League pitchers entering play Tuesday, Brown ranked third in groundball rate (59.2%), fourth in FIP (2.83), strikeouts per nine (12.34) and strikeout rate (33%), sixth in batting average against and ERA, and seventh in swinging-strike rate (15.4 percent) and xFIP (3.80), per FanGraphs.

A Pennsylvania native, Brown is currently ranked by SoxProspects.com as Boston’s No. 60 prospect but figures to move up in the site’s next update. The 6-foot-5, 230-pound southpaw has a deceptive delivery and features a four-pitch mix that consists of a lower-90s fastball that has reached 95 mph, an upper-80s cutter, a lower-80s slider, and a lower-80s changeup.

“So far, he’s been able to consistently keep hitters off balance and locate all his pitches around the strike zone,” Baseball America’s Ian Cundall (formerly SoxProspects.com’s scouting director) wrote of Brown last month. “If that continues, he could become another intriguing pitching prospect to watch in a system full of them.”

With fast-rising righty Anthony Eyanson moving up to Double-A Portland, Brown will be tasked with facing more advanced competition at High-A. He joins a Greenville starting rotation that includes fellow 2025 draftees Kyson Witherspoon and Marcus Phillips. The Drive open a six-game series on the road against the Greensboro Grasshoppers on Tuesday night.

(Picture of Dylan Brown: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)