The Boston Red Sox once again enter a season with pitching depth for days. Unlike last year, they have more top-end talent, though.
Heading into 2025, the Red Sox boasted Garrett Crochet at the top of the rotation but didn’t have a clear No. 2 starter. They had a ton of guys who could be back-end of the rotation starters, but not much at the top.
Heading into 2026, it’s quite a bit different. Crochet is still there, followed by Ranger Suárez and Sonny Gray, Brayan Bello, Johan Oviedo, Payton Tolle, Connelly Early, Patrick Sandoval, Kutter Crawford, and more follow behind those three.
With that in mind, the Red Sox aren’t really in need of a breakout pitching prospect. Especially considering they have names like Tyler Uberstine and Shane Drohan in Triple-A on the 40-man roster.
There’s another name that could be on the Triple-A roster to start the season, and he’s not getting as much attention as he deserves.
This Red Sox pitching prospect could have a clear path to the team in 2026
Many fans expected Hayden Mullins to be selected in the Rule 5 Draft. In fact, he felt like the most likely name in the organization to be snatched away. Somehow, Boston left the Winter Meetings with Mullins still on the team.
Last season, the left-handed pitcher posted a 2.21 ERA, .177 BAA, and 1.11 WHIP in 22 appearances (21 starts) between High-A and Double-A. He struck out 123 batters compared to 51 walks in 101 2/3 innings.
The only glaring issue is the command, which Mullins will need to improve before making that jump to the majors. However, the Red Sox should start the 25-year-old in Triple-A this season. Starting last year in High-A instead of Double-A was a shock to many, and he quickly dominated, forcing a promotion after just four outings.
The reason for the start in High-A was likely just a logjam. Boston had too many pitchers — you could argue it had the same issue this year. A recent trade that sent David Sandlin to the Chicago White Sox opens up a clear path for Mullins. The 2022 12th-round selection is currently not on the 40-man roster and doesn’t have a non-roster invite to spring training.
Don’t expect Mullins to win a job in March. The Auburn product can plant the seeds, though. A lefty who misses a ton of bats and enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2025 certainly seems like a perfect candidate to get a good look this spring.
Mullins has a fastball that can reach the mid-90s and a devastatingly fantastic breaking ball. Those pitches combined (especially if the Red Sox add some velocity) could be wicked from a lefty out of the bullpen.
Boston has bolstered its pitching staff this offseason, but every team goes through an extraordinary amount of arms throughout the season due to injuries, trades, lackluster performances, and more unforeseen situations.
Mullins went a long way in raising his stock in 2025. He’s already flirting with Triple-A, and he possesses a pair of MLB-ready pitches. If the lefty can show improvements in his command this spring, while still striking out hitters in bunches, the Red Sox could view him as a legitimate call-up candidate after a bit of seasoning in Worcester.