Red Sox's Top Pitching Prospect Shares Hilarious Quote on Trying to Make MLB Roster

Payton Tolle, the Red Sox's No. 2 prospect in 2025, has an amusing mindset heading into spring training.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Payton Tolle, the Boston Red Sox's top pitching prospect, shared a hilarious quote about his mindset as he tries to make the team's opening day roster. Tolle, who made his MLB debut last year, said he's "fighting like the third monkey trying to get on the ark and it's starting to rain" as he works to put himself in the best position possible.

Why it matters

Tolle is one of the Red Sox's top young talents, and his ability to crack the opening day roster could have a big impact on the team's pitching staff this season. His unique perspective and entertaining quote provide a glimpse into the mindset of a prospect trying to break through to the big leagues.

The details

Tolle, the Red Sox's No. 2 prospect in 2025 and MLB Pipeline's No. 19 overall prospect for 2026, had a strong first full season in professional baseball in 2025. The 23-year-old right-hander had 133 strikeouts and a 3.04 ERA in over 91 minor league innings, but posted a 6.06 ERA with 19 strikeouts in seven major league appearances. With the Red Sox making moves to bolster their rotation this offseason, Tolle will likely start the 2026 season at Triple-A, but could be in consideration for a spot on the opening day roster if he has a strong spring training or if any other Boston starters get injured.

  • Tolle made his MLB debut with the Red Sox in 2025.
  • The Red Sox signed Ranger Suárez to a five-year deal and traded for Sonny Gray this offseason to bolster their rotation.

The players

Payton Tolle

The Boston Red Sox's No. 2 prospect in 2025 and MLB Pipeline's No. 19 overall prospect for 2026.

Ranger Suárez

A pitcher the Red Sox signed to a five-year deal this offseason to bolster their rotation.

Sonny Gray

A three-time All-Star pitcher the Red Sox traded for this offseason to bolster their rotation.

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What they’re saying

“Fight like you're the third monkey trying to get on the ark and it's starting to rain. I'm trying to work hard to do what I can today because I can't control what happens in two months. I'm gonna have to work with what I can do right now and then stack days on top of another and, you know, whatever happens, happens. They're gonna take the best 26 guys that we have, and if I put myself in a good position, then sure, hopefully I am one of the 26.”

— Payton Tolle (Baseball Isn't Boring podcast)

“I saw it on a shirt once.”

— Payton Tolle (Baseball Isn't Boring podcast)

What’s next

If Tolle has a strong spring training or any other Boston starters get injured, he could be in consideration to crack the opening day rotation.

The takeaway

Tolle's unique perspective and entertaining quote provide a glimpse into the mindset of a top prospect trying to break through to the big leagues, and his ability to crack the Red Sox's opening day roster could have a significant impact on the team's pitching staff this season.