Fast-Rising left-hander wins camp battle and will start game three in Cincinnati.
The Red Sox didn’t just settle their final rotation spot - they made a statement about merit, momentum, and who they trust when the lights come on.
That statement is Connelly Early.
Manager Alex Cora confirmed Tuesday that the 23-year-old left-hander will open the season in Boston’s rotation, slotting in behind Garrett Crochet and Sonny Gray to start the third game of the year in Cincinnati.
It’s a full-circle moment for a pitcher who, just a few months ago, was handed the ball in a far more intense setting - Game 3 of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium.
Now, he’s back in a similar position: trusted, tested, and very much in the mix.
Early didn’t back into this opportunity. He earned it.
In a spring defined by one of the more competitive rotation battles in camp, Early separated himself with consistency and poise. He allowed just 3 earned runs over 17 innings, struck out 16, and limited opposing hitters to a .180 average. More importantly, he looked like a pitcher in control - not just of his stuff, but of the moment.
That last part matters.
Mar 6, 2026; Lakeland, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Connelly Early (71) pitches during the fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. (Mike Watters/Imagn Images)“The same thing to give me confidence to pitch him in Yankee Stadium in the Wild Card Series,” Cora said of why he made the decision to roll with Early in this spot to start the year. “Stuff-wise, he's really good. I think he's up to the challenge. He slows down the moments. He's getting better.”
That composure ultimately gave him the edge over fellow candidates Johan Oviedo and Payton Tolle.
Oviedo will begin the year in a bullpen role, likely serving as a piggyback option early in the season, while Tolle - the organization’s top pitching prospect - was optioned to Triple-A Worcester to continue his development.
It’s not just about winning the job. It’s about what comes next.
Boston’s rotation picture remains fluid, especially with Ranger Suarez and Brayan Bello still building back up after the World Baseball Classic. That creates opportunity - but also pressure.
Early will get the first crack at locking down the role, but the leash won’t be unlimited.
Still, the message from the Red Sox is clear.
This wasn’t about projection.
It was about performance.
And right now, Connelly Early has both.
Mar 18, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Connelly Early (71) throws a pitch against the New York Yankees in the second inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (Nathan Ray Seebeck/Imagn Images)JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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Tom Carroll is a contributor for Roundtable, with boots-on-the-ground coverage of all things Boston sports. He's a senior digital content producer for WEEI.com, and a native of Lincoln, RI.