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WooSox Photo/Ashley Green / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

What to Expect from Red Sox Pitcher Payton Tolle

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 9:48 AM ET

Less than two years ago, Red Sox pitching prospect Payton Tolle was TCU’s marquee transfer pickup. Now, Tolle — who quickly rose to become arguably Boston’s best pitching prospect — will look to solidify the team’s rotation for the final month. Boston will reportedly promote the 22-year-old to the Majors.

A Look at Tolle

As noted, Payton Tolle was with the TCU Horned Frogs in 2024, as he transferred there after two years at Wichita State. Tolle could hit, as well. The former two-way college star belted 13 home runs in 2023 for the Shockers. But in 2024, Tolle hit .182 with 21 strikeouts over 28 games.

The arm, meanwhile, was something special.

Tolle, a strong starter at Wichita State, struck out 125 over 81.1 IP with TCU last season. He finished 2024 with the 12th-best K/9 rate (13.83), which earned him a second-round pick by Boston last July.

It didn’t take long for Tolle to roll through the Minors. The 22-year-old started at High-A Greenville and put up gaudy strikeout numbers (79 over 49.2 IP). He was promoted to Double-A in June, then earned a second promotion to Triple-A Worcester in August. In total, Tolle struck out 133 over 91.2 IP, with a 2.3 BB/9.

And over his last two starts with Worcester (as of 8/28), Tolle struck out 14 over 10 frames, alongside four hits and one walk.

Much like another touted pitching prospect who will make his MLB debut on August 29, Tolle’s success is predicated on the fastball. Now, the 22-year-old didn’t throw all that hard in college; it mostly sat in the low-90s. However, he’s gained a lot of velocity since then. Tolle hit as hard as 99 MPH and routinely sat in the 97-98 MPH range with the WooSox.

When the velocity is combined with a lower arm slot and plus extension (7.3”), it’s going to lead to a lot of success. That pitch had a 31.6% Whiff% down with Worcester. And, out of the 102 fastballs (out of 206 total pitches), just one was tagged for a barrel.

Payton Tolle 2025 AAA Pitch Movement Tolle’s fastball has it all: carry, deception, and velocity. He used it a lot, and the goal will be to keep hitters off it. (via New Baseball Media)

Aside from the fastball, Tolle uses a mid-to-high-80s changeup, a mid-80s slider, a low-80s curveball, and a high-80s to low-90s cutter. His changeup isn’t a big runner, while the curveball didn’t show plus depth.

Pitch	Whiff% in Triple-A
Changeup	50% (4 of 8)
Slider	33% (5 of 15)
Curveball	14.3% (1 of 7)

But, as indicated earlier, with a booming fastball, Tolle can work as a starter, given that he can play everything off the fastball.

Payton Tolle is expected to make his Red Sox debut on August 29, per the New York Times.

Analysis

From a macro perspective, Tolle’s ascension to the Majors is remarkable. The left-hander is essentially two years removed from being a two-way player in college. And while five 2024 first-round picks made it to the Majors at this juncture, just one (Ryan Johnson – Angels) second-rounder has to this point.

Getting back to the Red Sox, Boston’s rotation has dealt with its fair share of injury troubles. Richard Fitts just went on the IL, while Hunter Dobbins, Kutter Crawford, and Tanner Houck are done for 2025.

And thanks to struggles on the mound, Walker Buehler, one of Boston’s big signings this past winter, is presently working out of the bullpen.

The Sox have had their incredibly reliable arms — Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello, and Lucas Giolito — who could man a three-man playoff rotation. But to get October, another potent arm can make a difference.

Plus, Tolle’s arsenal can make a weapon out of the bullpen if needed this coming postseason.

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

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