Alex Cora Has ‘No Doubt’ Red Sox Rookie Will Contribute In Future

Several promising rookies began their MLB careers for the Boston Red Sox in 2025.

For all the talk about Boston’s young position players led by Roman Anthony, two pitchers joined the fold down the stretch. Connelly Early and Payton Tolle each arrived late in the 2025 season, and the former found himself working a must-win playoff matchup.

After just four major league starts, Early pitched Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees. Although it didn’t work out for the Red Sox, manager Alex Cora expressed confidence in Early during Monday’s end-of-season press conference.

“After Game 3, I saw that kid in the dugout, and I have no doubt that this guy’s gonna contribute in the future,” Cora said.

Early registered a 2.33 ERA, 29 strikeouts and four walks in 19 1/3 dominant September innings before a Lucas Giolito injury opened a spot in Boston’s playoff rotation. He tallied six strikeouts in 3 2/3 frames, but Early allowed four runs in a fourth inning derailed by defensive miscues in Thursday’s elimination loss.

Cora recalled his message to the 23-year-old southpaw after the game.

“The goal is to get stronger and keep getting better,” Cora said. “He had a taste of what it is to pitch in October, and in Yankee Stadium, in a win-or-go-home game, right? What better experience than we want for a young kid to have? So moving forward, he’s gonna be better, and I’m excited about his future.”

Cora also expressed excitement about the organization’s pitching development. Early and Tolle could factor into a 2026 rotation led by Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello, but chief baseball officer Craig Breslow left the door open to acquire another impact arm this offseason.