Boston Red Sox' Young Hurler Indicates He May Be Close to Contract Extension with Organization

Speaking at spring training on Wednesday morning, Boston Red Sox' young pitcher Brayan Bello indicated that he may be close to a contract extension with the organization.

Per MassLIVE:

In a conversation Wednesday morning at JetBlue Park, starter Brayan Bello said his agents have been engaged in extension talks with the Red Sox in recent weeks and that a deal may be close between the sides. Asked if a deal was indeed close, Bello (through translator Carlos Villoria Benítez), responded “mas o menos” — which translates to “more or less” or “maybe” in English. He also responded “maybe” when asked if a deal could come together before the end of spring training.

There's no telling how much the extension would be for but considering Bello isn't a free agent until after the 2028 season, you'd have to think the extension would cover the five remaining years he has left plus a few more, so maybe a seven or eight-year deal is a fair starting point. Hunter Greene of the Reds signed a $53 million extension last offseason (though over six years), so perhaps that's a fair starting point as well.

The 24-year-old Bello made his major league debut in 2022 and became a full-time starter in 2023, going 12-11 with a 4.24 ERA. The Red Sox are projected to finish last in the American League East this season, but watching Bello's continued development will be a storyline worth following.

The Dominican Republic native has drawn comparisons to former Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez because of his size and excellent changeup, and he's been adding a slider this offseason as well.

The Red Sox open the season on March 28 at the Seattle Mariners. Perhaps Bello will be the Opening Day starter.

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