Connelly Early is demonstrating why the Boston Red Sox’s reputation for taking chances on young players is paying off in 2025. The left-handed pitcher, who is only 23 years old, has ascended swiftly from the NCAA to Fenway Park, bringing with him a tale of self-control, familial support, and ascent that reflects that of some of the game’s most promising young arms. Early, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 draft, had an incredible journey from the Army to Virginia to the major leagues.

Fans are curious about Connelly Early’s off-field life, including his girlfriend, parents, ethnicity, contract, and net worth, in addition to his fastball and ERA. Let’s dissect everything.

Who is Connelly Early? Everything you should know about him

Connelly Early, born April 3, 2002, in Midlothian, Virginia, is one of the Red Sox’s newest pitching prospects to make waves in the majors. Standing 6’3” and weighing 195 lbs, he throws and bats left-handed, adding valuable depth to Boston’s rotation. His name was immediately put on the map when he made his debut against the Oakland Athletics in September 2025, striking out an incredible 11 batters in just five innings.

Early’s journey wasn’t easy. Before moving to the University of Virginia, where he established himself as a vital member of the Cavaliers’ pitching staff, he started his collegiate career at the United States Military Academy (Army), where he put up impressive numbers. He established himself as a top prospect that season at UVA, going 12–3 with a 3.09 ERA.

Early had the qualities scouts look for by the time he was selected by the Red Sox in the fifth round of the 2023 MLB Draft (151st overall): a steady fastball, a balanced pitching arsenal, and the composure to manage games under duress. Two years later, he stands tall at Fenway, serving as a testament to the talent that Boston’s farm system continues to produce.

Who is his Girlfriend?

Connelly Early has maintained a very private dating life as of 2025. Early hasn’t mentioned a girlfriend in public, in contrast to many young athletes who post about their relationships on Instagram. His name does not yet have any verified dating history, and it seems that he is entirely focused on his Red Sox career.

However, fans may soon find out more about Early’s personal life, given his growing popularity in Boston, but for the time being, he is still one of those athletes who would rather be in the spotlight on the field than off.

Who are his Parents? What is their ethnicity? Everything you should know

Connelly Early was born to Todd and Anne Early in Virginia, and he shares a close-knit bond with his family. His background is American, and his ethnicity is White/Caucasian. Family has played a huge role in his career, with his younger brother, Callum Early, also playing baseball and making a name for himself at Liberty University.

While not much is publicly documented about Todd and Anne, it’s evident they were instrumental in helping Connelly transition from a high school standout in Midlothian to a professional athlete with the Red Sox.

What is Connelly Early’s Net Worth in 2025?

At just 23, Connelly Early is in the very early stages of his professional career. His estimated net worth in 2025 is around $500,000 to $1 million, mainly from his Red Sox contract, signing bonus, and minor league earnings. Unlike established veterans, rookies in their initial MLB years operate under league-minimum salaries, but his financial growth is expected to rise quickly if he locks down a permanent rotation spot.

While he isn’t yet raking in millions like the Sox’s top stars, Early’s debut has already boosted his value. With his skill set and Boston’s long-term plans, endorsements and higher-paying extensions could soon follow.

Know about his Red Sox contract, salary, and bonuses

Connelly Early signed a 1-year, $760,000 pre-arbitration contract with the Boston Red Sox in 2025, fully guaranteed. His adjusted payroll salary for the 2025 season is listed at $81,720, reflecting the prorated portion for his call-up. This follows his rookie signing deal in 2023, worth $408,500, which included his draft signing bonus.

His current deal means he’ll remain under team control for several years, with arbitration eligibility kicking in later this decade. For a player of his caliber, the Red Sox are getting a bargain. If he maintains his performance, he’s on track for a significant salary jump once arbitration hits.

Connelly Early’s professional career

Early’s career has been marked by steady progress at every level. After his draft, he debuted in Single-A Salem in 2023, making just one appearance before moving up the system. His 2024 season was a grind but important, splitting time between High-A Greenville and Double-A Portland, posting a 3.99 ERA across 23 starts.

The 2025 season became his breakout year. Between Double-A and Triple-A Worcester, Early posted a combined 10–3 record with a 2.60 ERA, striking out 132 hitters in 100 innings. That dominance earned him a call-up to the majors, where he wasted no time proving he belonged. In his first four MLB starts, he recorded 29 strikeouts in 19.1 innings with a 2.33 ERA, numbers that immediately established him as one of the most promising arms on Boston’s roster.

Scouts praise his arsenal of pitches, particularly his slider and changeup, which he mixes well with his fastball to keep hitters guessing. He’s not just a flamethrower; he’s a thinker on the mound, capable of adjusting his strategy mid-game. While his role is still developing, many within the Sox organization see him as a long-term rotation piece.

Conclusion

Even though Connelly Early’s MLB career is just getting started, there is an unavoidable buzz about him in Boston. From his Virginia upbringing to his Fenway debut, he epitomizes the ideal Red Sox pitcher: youthful, gifted, and prepared to advance with the team. His contract and net worth may be modest for the time being, but if his debut is any guide, there will be larger stages and bigger payouts in the future. Connelly Early has already given Red Sox Nation plenty to be excited about on the field, but fans who are interested in his personal life will have to wait.