As the Boston Red Sox take on the New York Yankees in a decisive Wild Card Game 3 in the Bronx, only one thing is certain; it will be historic. Games often are when these two bitter rivals take on each other in the postseason, and even more so when elimination is on the line. But those aren't the only reasons why this time.
Rookie Red Sox hurler Connelly Early will take the bump for Boston, and he is guaranteed a place in the record books, no matter the outcome.
Of course, he wasn't supposed to be here. Game 3 was supposed to be Lucas Giolito's start, but an elbow injury at the worst possible time made him unavailable, and thrust the weight of this moment onto Early's shoulders. However, had Giolito not gotten hurt, we would not be guaranteed history.
With just 19.1 innings of big league experience and a questionable decision from Alex Cora leading to a burnt-out bullpen, it's an understatement to say that Early hasn't been set up for success. But that's not to say that the 23-year-old, whose season began all the way down at Double-A Portland, should immediately be counted out.
Red Sox rookie Connelly Early will make history tonight, regardless of the outcome
He dominated Double-A competition, eventually earning a promotion to Triple-A Worcester, where he continued to mow down opposing hitters. His late-season ascension to the majors was even more impressive as he posted the lowest ERA at any level he pitched at in 2025, all while upping his strikeouts and cutting down his walks. The 2.33 mark he posted sparkles and explains why he got tabbed for the job.
Regardless of whether or not Early comes out and dominates the Yankees or if he cracks under the weight of the pressure, his name will be etched in history forever. Early will become the first pitcher ever to start a winner-take-all playoff game less than 30 days after he made his big league debut.
Connelly Early will be the first pitcher ever to start a winner-take-all postseason game within 30 days of his MLB debut. pic.twitter.com/nMTGo1X7f7
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) October 2, 2025
It's been quite the rise for Early, who began 2025 as the final prospect ranked on Baseball America's top-100 prospects list. Make no mistake, just because the Red Sox didn't have anyone else to turn to doesn't mean that Early isn't well-deserving of the honor of starting in the postseason, or that he's not well-equipped to take down the Yankees.
There's another interesting subplot as well. On the other side, Early won't be facing a grizzled vet who bears the battle scars of postseason battles of yore. Instead, he'll be staring down another rookie, Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler.
Schlittler, 24, is a local kid from Walpole, MA, and will certainly have a little additional adrenaline pumping through his veins pitching in front of family and friends in his postseason debut. He, like Early, took the league by storm following his own call-up, posting a 2.96 ERA.
Schlittler might have the experience edge against Early, with a whopping 73 major league innings under his belt, making this rookie showdown unprecedented for these two clubs this time of year.
It also might be foreshadowing things to come. Both hurlers have similar back stories as guys who weren't drafted at the very top of the draft and made exceptional gains to their velocities (especially Schlittler, who can now touch 100 miles per hour) as their professional careers unfolded.
They'll duel for the first time tonight, but there will likely be many, many more showdowns on the horizon as these two both could become rotation headliners for years to come.