Red Sox's Brayan Bello Refines Pitching with Ranger Suarez's Guidance

Bello works on improving his changeup and other pitches ahead of the 2026 season

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Boston Red Sox pitcher Brayan Bello is focusing on enhancing his pitching skills this offseason by learning from new teammate Ranger Suarez. Bello is specifically working on refining his changeup, incorporating new grips and release techniques. Newly acquired Sonny Gray has also praised Bello's impressive pitching arsenal, including his curveball and sinker. With the additions of Suarez and Gray to the rotation, the Red Sox are optimistic that Bello will elevate his performance in the upcoming 2026 MLB season.

Why it matters

Bello's development is crucial for the Red Sox, who are looking to bolster their starting pitching staff and compete in the AL East. Improving his changeup and overall pitch repertoire could help Bello take the next step in his career and solidify his role in Boston's rotation.

The details

Brayan Bello, who had an 11-9 record with a 3.35 ERA last season, has already begun working with new Red Sox pitcher Ranger Suarez to refine his changeup. Bello is incorporating new grips and release techniques to improve the pitch. Sonny Gray, another new addition to the Boston rotation, has praised Bello's impressive arsenal, including his curveball and sinker.

  • Bello is working with Suarez on his changeup this offseason.
  • The Red Sox will begin their 2026 MLB campaign on March 26, opening against the Cincinnati Reds.

The players

Brayan Bello

A right-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox who is looking to improve his pitching skills, particularly his changeup, ahead of the 2026 season.

Ranger Suarez

A new addition to the Red Sox's pitching rotation who is working with Bello to help him refine his changeup.

Sonny Gray

A new starting pitcher for the Red Sox who has praised Bello's impressive pitching arsenal, including his curveball and sinker.

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What they’re saying

“I'm somebody who always wants to learn and improve, and I was playing catch with (Suárez) and telling him I was trying a new grip on my changeup, asking for some advice on how to release the ball.”

— Brayan Bello (The Athletic)

“He's gross; I came away with that impression. I saw that he was throwing a curveball. I didn't know that's new. The sinker is disgusting.”

— Sonny Gray (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Red Sox will begin their 2026 MLB campaign on March 26, opening against the Cincinnati Reds, marking the start of a promising season for the pitching staff.

The takeaway

Brayan Bello's offseason work with Ranger Suarez to refine his changeup, coupled with the additions of Sonny Gray and other new pitchers to the Red Sox's rotation, could help Bello take a significant step forward in his development and solidify his role as a key part of Boston's pitching staff in the upcoming 2026 season.