Minor League Award Hints At Progress For Red Sox Pitching Prospect

Hunter Dobbins took a massive step forward with the Boston Red Sox this season with an improved campaign in the minor leagues.

The Red Sox recognized Dobbins on Thursday as the Starting Pitcher of the Year in Boston’s minor league system. Dobbins will be at Fenway Park on Friday as the team honors the organizational winners to start the final homestand of the 2024 season.

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The 2021 draft selection entered the season with a rejuvenated arsenal through work with the new pitching development program led by Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, pitching coach Andrew Bailey and director of pitching Justin Willard.

Dobbins posted an 8-5 record with a 3.08 ERA while striking out 8.6 batters per nine across 25 starts between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester. The Red Sox prospect improved his breaking ball, improving his stuff horizontally while seeing his fastball tick up in the upper 90s.

Richard Fitts joined the Boston organization as one of three players the Red Sox acquired from the New York Yankees for Alex Verdugo last offseason. Fitts eventually worked his way to the big leagues in 2024, posting a 1.74 ERA in four starts.

That could be a very realistic path to the majors for Dobbins in 2025 with quality stuff, the ability to stack innings and add a boost to the pitching staff as a depth starter.

Dobbins spoke exclusively with NESN.com during his time with Double-A Portland as well as after his Sept. 12 start at Triple-A Worcester.