The Boston Red Sox are coming off an unusually poor season, finishing last in the AL East with only 78 wins. They’re banking on a better performance from their pitching staff this year, with Red Sox icon Pedro Martinez leading the charge. The team’s playoff hopes, following a postseason absence in 2023, received a succinct assessment from Kenley Jansen. Making a low-key move, the Red Sox signed a former Tigers All-Star to a two-year contract.
With expectations set for improvement in 2024, Red Sox fans can look forward to spring training as Manager Alex Cora’s squad gears up for a competitive AL East.
Martinez has been actively assisting Red Sox pitchers, notably working with Brayan Bello during the offseason, as reported. Bello himself acknowledged the valuable insights Martinez provided, particularly in refining his slider pitch, which saw immediate progress.
Bello, a Dominican Republic native, had a mixed performance last season, tallying a 12-11 record with a 4.24 ERA and 132 strikeouts. However, his stats fell short of Martinez’s standards during his tenure with the Red Sox. Notably, Bello struggled with giving up more hits than innings pitched, a facet he aims to rectify in the upcoming season.
Manager Cora highlighted Bello’s growth, both physically and in his performance, emphasizing his improved readiness for the new season. Bello is slated to pitch behind Nick Pivetta and staff ace Lucas Giolito, with his progress in key areas recognized by the coaching staff.
