Could the Boston Red Sox’s Opening Day starter be a 24-year-old? It’s a target for the right-handed pitcher.
In the absence of Chris Sale, traded away, and with free agent James Paxton not returning, Brayan Bello recognizes the opportunity to potentially become the Boston Red Sox’s Opening Day starter in 2024.
Following the Winter Weekend event, Bello expressed his determination to head straight to Florida for preparation, aiming to compete for a prominent spot in the rotation. Even if he doesn’t secure the Opening Day start, he aspires to be among the top starters, ideally the first or second in the rotation. In the 2023 season, the 24-year-old Bello had a promising first full year in the majors, boasting a 4.24 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP in 28 starts, with 7.6 strikeouts and 2.6 walks per nine innings.
Competing for the Opening Day spot is a significant career goal for Bello, aiming not only for the current season but for the years ahead to establish himself as the No. 1 pitcher in the Boston organization.
During the offseason, Bello has focused on refining his slider, a pitch that opponents had success against last year, batting .304 with a .457 slugging percentage. He expressed confidence in the progress of his slider’s command and looks forward to evaluating it in spring training.
While Bello’s standout pitch last season was his changeup, holding opponents to a .196 batting average and a .171 expected batting average, he recognizes the importance of adding a third pitch to diversify his arsenal.
Feeling more confident and relaxed after completing a full season, Bello emphasized the elimination of self-imposed pressure, allowing him to compete at a higher level without the need to prove himself to others.
