The Boston Red Sox have made their decision regarding one of their top prospects.
The Red Sox are calling up No. 2 prospect left-handed pitcher Payton Tolle from Triple-A Worcester, according to Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic. This move has shown that the Red Sox are serious about winning and will do whatever it takes to get back to the playoffs; otherwise, they wouldn't have given Tolle this late-season promotion.
Red Sox top pitching prospect Payton Tolle expected to make his MLB debut tomorrow night at Fenway Park against the Pirates’ Paul Skenes, sources tell @TheAthletic. Tolle, a left-hander, was the team’s second-round pick out of TCU last year. Meteoric rise in first pro season.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 28, 2025
For those who are unfamiliar, Tolle is a magnificent player. That was a fast ride to the majors for him, as he was dominating every level in the minors this season (in his first pro season as well, mind you).
Red Sox's Payton Tolle Promotion Proves Boston is All In
The Texas Christian alumni and former Big 12 Conference Pitcher of the Year was drafted in the second round of the 2024 MLB draft. Tolle started his debut season as a pro at High-A Greenville, and started 10 games (but had one relief outing). He struck out 79 batters for the Drive, with hitters hitting .234 against him (and had a 3.62 ERA) with a 1.17 WHIP.
He was ranked among the best strikeout pitchers in the minor leagues, and he was immediately called up to Double-A Portland.
His performance improved after joining the Sea Dogs, posting a 1.67 ERA and striking out 37 batters in 27 innings across six games (5 starts). At the beginning of August, he was promoted to Triple-A Worcester, where he had one rough start but salvaged things in his next two appearances, striking out 14 batters in 10 full innings.
Tolle has added a cutter and a curveball to his arsenal and has vastly improved his changeup. He also has a slider that resembles a sweeper, depending on his speed. But his fastball? Oh, boy, is that one of the prettiest pitches that would make any scout drool. He's topping his fastball, topping at 99 mph. Throwing from a low three-quarters arm slot with a high leg-kick, his mechanics themselves give the vibe of a power thrower.
As one of the biggest boom or busts coming out of the 2024 draft, and with many thinking he would just be a bullpen arm with a hard fastball, the top Red Sox prospect proved everyone wrong by giving them the biggest double takes the world has ever witnessed.
Tolle is a special talent and is one of the hardest-working players in that farm system. He was willing to pass as a starter and did just that, and then some. He's not just another starter; he's one of the most touted left-handed pitchers coming through the ranks in 2025.
And if he can help the Red Sox bring home a World Series, he will be a household name in Boston for years to come.