Brayan Bello was the subject of a ton of criticism from Boston Red Sox fans earlier this season, and it was easy to see why. He has always been a bit inconsistent since making his MLB debut in 2022, but he reached some unfathomable lows earlier this year (he allowed five or more earned runs in four starts - including eight in two separate games against the Baltimore Orioles -, and it got so bad the team opted to use an opener for him), and the highs weren't enough.
Boston ended up sending Bello down to the minors in early June (which fans had been clamoring for), and he was called back up just before the All-Star break... as a reliever (which was something else fans had been clamoring for).
The thing is, though, he hasn't just been really good since getting called back up; he's been elite... as in one of the best relievers in the game since.
Since his call-up, Bello has a 0.99 ERA and a 23/4 SO/BB ratio in 27.1 innings across seven games. He is also 5-2 in those games. Additionally, according to StatMuse, the 27-year-old is one of two pitchers to have a sub-1.25 ERA in at least 50 innings of relief pitching this season (San Diego Padres' Mason Miller has a 0.88 ERA; purely in relief, Bello has a 0.85 ERA)
Lowest ERA in relief this season (min. 50 IP):
— StatMuse (@statmuse) August 18, 2026
0.85 — Brayan Bello
0.88 — Mason Miller
No other reliever has a sub-1.25 ERA. pic.twitter.com/3Jxq6T88js
Bello deserves another chance to be in Boston's rotation moving forward, but not just yet. The team should see this through for the rest of the season and explore their options in the offseason.
Brayan Bello should eventually return to the Red Sox' rotation
I have always said that the Dominican Republic native had the stuff to succeed; it was just a matter of him getting his confidence back, which it seems like he may have. At this point, I firmly believe the Red Sox should give him another chance to prove he is an MLB-caliber starting pitcher.
Just not yet.
It doesn't make much sense (if any) for Boston to move Bello back to the rotation for a few reasons: 1) its rotation is already stacked, and it might not even have a spot for Garrett Crochet once he returns, 2) there's no need to fix what isn't broken, and 3) the bullpen is already taking a hit with their injuries (Garrett Whitlock and Justin Slaten are both on the injured list).
It's going to be tough for Bello to make his presence felt as a starter (his best avenue will likely be replacing Sonny Gray, whether he leaves in free agency or just regresses, given his age), but he's earned the right to get another opportunity. And Boston should absolutely give it to him when the time is right.
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