CC Sabathia speaks highly of Payton Tolle's dominant rookie season

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Payton Tolle. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

CC Sabathia speaks highly of Payton Tolle's dominant rookie season

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Nov 7, 2026 12:49 PM ET

Former New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia had nothing but optimistic things to say about left-handed starter Payton Tolle's dominant 2026 rookie campaign with the Boston Red Sox.

According to the Boston Globe, Sabathia spoke highly about Tolle's performance, stating:

“I love watching him, and I love his personality. I don’t think I could have pitched the way he does. I was always way more emotional and upset… He’s top of the league as far as stuff goes. I love the way he attacks guys.”

The 24-year-old boasted a 9-6 record with a 3.03 ERA with 171 strikeouts and a 1.10 WHIP across 148 2/3 innings pitched. He also recorded a 36.4 percent chase rate ranking in the 96th percentile and a 28.4 percent strikeout rate in the 86th percentile.

CC Sabathia showed a ton of love to Payton Tolle and how he approaches the game, via @BGlobeSports: “I love watching him, and I love his personality. I don’t think I could have pitched the way he does. I was always way more emotional and upset… He’s top of the league as far as stuff goes. I love the way he attacks guys.”
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) November 7, 2026

Payton Tolle's breakout campaign has earned him praise

It comes as no surprise that Sabathia is a huge fan of Tolle as his compelling personality adds to his mastery on the mound and his elite 7.4-foot extension.

Tolle's curveball was a nasty weapon in his arsenal, helping him attack the zone and generating a 43.4 % whiff rate. Opponents batted only .157 against Tolle's curve.

Following his breakout season, Tolle was also chosen to be an MLB Network correspondent for Game 1 of the World Series. Tolle was also named one of three finalists for the AL Rookie of the Year award in addition to Kevin McGonigle and Parker Messick.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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