The Boston Red Sox's fifth starter role is up for grabs, with a surprise contender emerging from the spring training competition. While Johan Oviedo has been the favorite, with his sharp start and established big leaguer status, Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter has a different take. Reuter's updated MLB rotation predictions on Tuesday feature Connelly Early as Boston's No. 5 starter, rather than Oviedo.
Reuter highlights the intriguing camp battle between Oviedo, Early, and Payton Tolle, with all three players having made their MLB debuts last year. While Oviedo has the edge as the established veteran, Early's strong performance in September earned him a postseason start, and Tolle is also in the mix. The Red Sox have strategic service time reasons to keep Early and Tolle in the minors for a certain number of games in 2026, but injuries can quickly shift the dynamics.
The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey predicted earlier that Oviedo would start the season as Boston's fifth starter, but Reuter's choice of Early adds an interesting twist to the narrative. The Red Sox's decision-making process is complex, and with the potential for controversy, it's a topic that invites discussion and debate among fans. Who do you think will ultimately secure the fifth starter role? Will it be Oviedo, Early, or Tolle? The answer may depend on a variety of factors, including performance, injuries, and strategic considerations. As the season unfolds, we'll see how the Red Sox's rotation shakes out and who emerges as the surprise contender.
