“Pretty sick performance. It was fun to watch,” remarked Red Sox infielder Romy Gonzalez after the team’s No. 6 pitching prospect took the mound Tuesday against the Athletics. Gonzalez praised the rookie pitcher’s dominant outing, which set the tone early in the game. However, the rookie himself remained humble.

Connelly Early—a 23-year-old lefty from Virginia drafted in the fifth round in 2023—made his Major League debut on September 9, 2025, just hours after being called up from Triple-A Worcester when Dustin May went on the injured list. Early struck out 11 batters in five shutout innings, tying the Red Sox record for most strikeouts in a debut. He struck out the side in the second inning and three more in the fourth, including key strikeouts with the bases loaded to maintain the shutout.

Right behind the plate, rookie catcher Carlos Narvaez played a crucial role in Early’s success. In a postgame NESN interview, Early gave Narvaez full credit for his flawless game-calling. “Narvi was locked in today, like he is every single day. He nailed every scouting detail, knew my pitches, knew my preferences—it was huge.” Early added, “Those guys had never seen me—I’d never seen them—but Narvi made it feel like home.”

Narvaez skillfully managed the game, calling and framing pitches that complemented Early’s arsenal. By 2025, Narvaez had established himself as more than a glove-first catcher, posting a .252 batting average, 13 home runs, 44 RBIs, and a .749 OPS.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora praised Early’s preparedness and professionalism. “He was really good. Since he got here, on the control, during the meetings, in the clubhouse, in the training room, he was prepared, too, which was eye-opening. He did his own homework, went through it with the coaching staff, and he executed.”

Cora emphasized Boston’s deep pitching talent pool: “Last year, everybody was talking about the position players, and if you look this year, how many pitchers have impacted this team. That’s what makes it special. Everyone was talking about the No. 1 farm system because of the three players that have contributed this year, but there’s more. There’s more players down there… they’ve done an outstanding job producing players, and when they get here, they’re ready to go, and they have contributed.”

The three players Cora referenced—Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer—are Boston’s top prospects. Early’s success demonstrates the depth of the farm system, as prospects like Early and Narvaez step up with the big club, filling in gaps left by injuries and setbacks.

Early, Payton Tolle, and Narvaez are standouts among Boston’s promising young talent. However, the system’s strength extends beyond these names. Recently, Boston prospects made waves internationally.

Pipeline power play: Three Red Sox shine in DSL rankings as minors and majors buzz

Boston’s farm system continues to impress, not just in the United States but also internationally in the Dominican Summer League (DSL). Recently, three young Red Sox prospects earned spots on Baseball America’s Top 35 DSL prospects list for 2025, highlighting the depth of talent coming through the organization.

Leading the trio is Dorian Soto, a dynamic switch-hitting infielder who signed for $1.4 million in January. Soto quickly made his mark, showcasing a blend of hitting skill, power, and consistency over 47 games split between two DSL teams. He put up a strong .307/.362/.428 slash line with 10 doubles, two home runs, and 18 RBIs, proving why he is among Boston’s top prospects.

Versatility defines 17-year-old Venezuelan Jhorman Bravo, who ranked 26th. Bravo’s defensive flexibility stood out as he logged starts at every infield position except first base. At the plate, the left-handed hitter showcased keen plate discipline and speed, swiping 12 bases before an injury prematurely ended his season.

The spotlight also shines on catcher Franklin Primera, who earned the 33rd spot with his strong offensive numbers and defensive skills. Primera, the MVP of the DSL All-Star Game, impressed with a .313/.456/.388 slash line, adding six doubles, 13 RBIs, and 22 runs, while striking out only seven times in 27 games.

The emergence of these young talents, both on the mound and across the diamond, illustrates the strength and depth of the Red Sox’s farm system. With promising prospects stepping up at every level, Boston’s future remains bright and well-positioned for sustained success. Fans can look forward to witnessing these rising stars continue to make their mark in the majors.