Boston Red Sox News

Home

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images

What to Expect from Red Sox Pitcher Connelly Early

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated Sep 9, 2025 3:14 PM ET

Less than two weeks after Payton Tolle made his Red Sox debut, fellow left-hander Connelly Early will join him. Early was highly effective in Triple-A since he moved to that level in late July 2025. Now, he’ll look to help a Red Sox team looking to lock up a spot for October.

A Look at Early

Boston selected Connelly Early in the fifth round two years ago out of the University of Virginia. Early put himself on the map in upstate New York with Army-West Point but pitched very well in 2023 as a transfer for the Cavaliers. He struck out 100 batters over 87.1 IP in his junior season to solidify his draft status.

Since then, the Sox have heavily controlled his innings, a trend among MLB teams. Early threw five or fewer innings in all but two starts last year. However, he pitched extremely well between Greenville (A+) and Portland (AA). Between the two levels, Early struck out 138 over 103.2 IP last season.

This past season, Early struck out 132 over 100.1 IP between Double-A and Triple-A. Early was promoted to Worcester in late July. With the WooSox, opposing batters hit just .184 off him.

The 23-year-old was incredibly sharp across his final two Triple-A outings before the promotion. Early struck out 16, tied with Tucker Davidson (Brewers) and Robby Snelling (Marlins) for third-most in the International League across the last two weeks, and walked just one over 11 frames.

Early’s a heavy ground-ball pitcher who posted a 54% GB% down in Worcester this season. The 23-year-old doesn’t have a booming fastball as far as velocity and carry are concerned. He’ll top out at 96-97 MPH but sit primarily in the 93-94 MPH range.

However, the four-seamer and the two-seamer played very well off Early’s changeup. As seen in the graphic below, Early’s changeup gets considerable sinking action. Not to mention, it plays roughly 10-11 MPH slower than his fastball.

Connelly Early 2025 AAA Pitch Movement Via New Baseball Media

Between the speed and movement separation between the heat and the changeup, Early posted a 38.3% Whiff% on the latter.

Aside from the fastballs and changeup, Early will regularly use a traditional gyro slider, along with a slower, mid-70s curveball with regularity, and an occasional sweeper.

Early rarely gave up any well-hit contact with Worcester. Across those six outings before the call, just one quantified barrel was conceded among 117 plate appearances.

Connelly Early will reportedly make his MLB debut on September 9 for the Red Sox against the Athletics.

Analysis

Per MLB.com, Dustin May is headed to the injured list, opening up a spot for Early. Early was not on the team’s 40-man roster but was in the organization before September 1, making him eligible for the postseason.

While a lot of attention — and deservedly so — went towards fellow rookie Payton Tolle this season, Early is one of several high-end, notable pitching prospects in the Sox system. Granted, many of those names, including Brandon Clarke and the college pitchers (Kyson Witherspoon, Anthony Eyanson, etc.), are at least a year away from Boston.

Early, however, is ready. The 23-year-old pitched very well at every level he worked at across his Minor League career. And, he’s got a lot of weapons at his disposal, between the changeup and then speeding hitters back up with the fastball upstairs.

Aside from playing a key role now, Early can also pitch his way into Boston’s plans for 2026.

This article first appeared on New Baseball Media and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: