MLB Rumors: More Props For Surging Red Sox Prospect

Another day, another reason to praise surging Boston Red Sox prospect Payton Tolle. The latest compliments come from MLB Pipeline, which named Tolle the No. 3 left-handed pitching prospect in the minors.

“There are plenty of new faces on this list of top southpaws,” MLB.con’s Ben Weinrib wrote Monday. “Not only is there a new No. 1 — the Marlins’ Thomas White — but the 2025 Draft is well represented with three of the top five names. Additionally, Payton Tolle (No. 3) of the Red Sox, the Athletics’ Gage Jump (No. 7) and the Pirates’ Hunter Barco (No. 10) made big leaps after starting the season outside the Top 100.

“With 11 southpaws making the Top 100 — not including switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje — this is the first time we’ve had double-digit lefties on the list since the 2021 preseason rankings,” Weinrib added.

Last week, MLB Pipeline revealed its updated list of the top 100 prospects, as well as the top 30 prospects for each club. Tolle is No. 2 for the Red Sox, behind shortstop Franklin Arias, who ranks No. 24 overall. Tolle is No. 28 overall. They are joined in the top 100 by outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia (No. 77) and right-hander Kyson Witherspoon (No. 93).

The 22-year-old Tolle started this season with High-A Greenville, where he went 1-3 with a 3.62 ERA in 11 games (10 starts). He struck out 79 batters in 49 2/3 innings pitched.

The Red Sox promoted the 2024 second-round draft pick to Double-A Portland in June. He went 1-1 with a 1.67 ERA in six games (5 starts) and struck out 37 batters in 27 innings, earning a surprising bump to Triple-A Worcester earlier this month.

The southpaw has made a pair of starts for the WooSox, going 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA. Depending on how he progresses, it’s possible Tolle could find himself at Fenway Park before the end of the season.