Red Sox' Brayan Bello has new recipe for success after 'battling' in 2025

Bello added a curveball to his arsenal and regained command of his changeup, aiming for a breakout 2026 season.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 11:04pm

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Red Sox starting pitcher Brayan Bello is looking to take his game to the next level in 2026 after a successful 2025 campaign. Bello has added a new curveball pitch to his arsenal and has regained command of his changeup, which was an unintended casualty as he worked on developing other pitches like the cutter and sweeper last year. Bello believes the new curveball and improved changeup, combined with his increased experience and maturity, will be the "recipe for a good season" in 2026.

Why it matters

Bello is considered one of the key pieces of the Red Sox' starting rotation going forward. After a breakout 2025 season, his continued development and ability to add new weapons to his pitch mix will be crucial for the team's success. The Red Sox are hoping Bello can take another step forward and become an ace-caliber starter.

The details

In his first spring training outing of 2026, Bello struggled early, allowing 4 earned runs in the first inning. But he settled in after that, working around a leadoff double in the second inning and retiring the next three batters in order. Bello said he was "more aggressive" and "started attacking hitters more" in that second inning. He mixed in his new curveball, which elicited a surprised reaction from Blue Jays outfielder Jesús Sánchez. Bello believes the curveball will help him compete better against left-handed hitters, an area he struggled with in previous seasons. Bello also regained command of his changeup, which was an issue for him in 2025 as he worked on developing other pitches.

  • Bello debuted in the majors when he was 23 years old.
  • Bello turns 27 on May 17, 2026.

The players

Brayan Bello

A 26-year-old right-handed starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox who is looking to build on a successful 2025 season by adding a new curveball pitch and regaining command of his changeup.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox who was pleased with how Bello settled in after a rough first inning and is encouraged by the progress Bello has made with his changeup and new curveball pitch.

Jesús Sánchez

A right fielder for the Toronto Blue Jays who reacted with laughter after Bello threw his new curveball pitch during their spring training matchup.

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What they’re saying

“I was more aggressive. I started attacking hitters more. We worked on the things that we needed to work (on), and the most important thing is every pitch was there and I felt good. … I was able to get first-pitch strikes, which was the goal of the day.”

— Brayan Bello, Red Sox pitcher

“I really liked the last three hitters. He's working on a few things, getting ahead, using the changeup. But he got hit around, and then he's like, 'OK let me pitch,' and he was more aggressive the last three hitters. That's something we're going to take for the next one, and keep getting better.”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox manager

“It was a very good one, and he laughed as well, at the pitch. I just threw the pitch and he laughed. … I don't really know (why). I think that we both enjoy the game, we're both happy to be here and we just shared that moment.”

— Brayan Bello, Red Sox pitcher

What’s next

Bello will look to build on his strong second inning in his next spring training outing as he continues to refine his new curveball and regain command of his changeup ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Bello's development of a new curveball pitch and renewed focus on his changeup, combined with his increased experience and maturity, have him poised for a potential breakout season in 2026 as a key part of the Red Sox' starting rotation.