Red Sox Prospect Jake Bennett Impresses in Spring Training

The 25-year-old left-hander acquired from the Nationals could earn a bullpen spot with the Red Sox this season.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Boston Red Sox have acquired 25-year-old left-handed pitcher Jake Bennett from the Washington Nationals in the offseason, and he has already made a strong impression in Spring Training. Bennett, a second-round pick in 2022, has been praised for his 'gross' sinker and effective changeup, leading to optimism that he could earn a spot in the Red Sox bullpen this season.

Why it matters

The Red Sox have been targeting tall pitchers with good extension, and Bennett fits that mold. If he can continue to impress in Spring Training, he could provide a boost to the Red Sox bullpen as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season.

The details

Bennett, who reached Double-A last year, has a 2.67 ERA in 34 minor league games. Red Sox manager Alex Cora has said that Bennett 'looked really good' in the early days of Spring Training, and outfielder Roman Anthony called his sinker 'gross'. Bennett has also been working on a new grip for his changeup, which he says has given it more depth.

  • The Red Sox acquired Bennett from the Nationals in the offseason.
  • Bennett has been impressing in the early days of Red Sox Spring Training in 2026.

The players

Jake Bennett

A 25-year-old left-handed pitcher acquired by the Boston Red Sox from the Washington Nationals in the offseason. He was a second-round pick in 2022 and has impressed with his 'gross' sinker and effective changeup in Spring Training.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox, who has praised Bennett's performance in the early days of Spring Training.

Roman Anthony

A Red Sox outfielder who was particularly impressed with Bennett's 'gross' sinker.

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What they’re saying

“Jake Bennett is a big left-hander who has been a starter since joining Washington in 2022 as a second-round pick. Elite extension guy who potentially could be part of the Red Sox's bullpen mix this season.”

— Jeff Passan, ESPN reporter (ESPN)

“Bennett looked really good. Obviously, still has some growth physically. Stuff-wise, he's good.”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox manager (The Boston Globe)

“Definitely had some more depth.”

— Jake Bennett (The Boston Globe)

What’s next

Bennett will continue to compete for a spot in the Red Sox bullpen throughout the remainder of Spring Training.

The takeaway

The Red Sox's acquisition of Jake Bennett from the Nationals has already paid dividends, as the young left-hander has impressed with his stuff and could earn a spot in the bullpen to start the 2026 season. His development will be an important storyline to follow for Red Sox fans as the team looks to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign.