This Red Sox Prospect Should Be MLB Depth Starter In Near Future

WORCESTER, Mass. -- Developing pitching from within is the top priority of Craig Breslow's plan to build the Boston Red Sox for long-term success.

In that pipeline, Boston needs some homegrown starters to rise to the occasion and find roles to help the club in the future. Hunter Dobbins is doing his best to find his way to the shows and currently sits a step away in Triple-A Worcester.

The Red Sox prospect earned his first Triple-A win on Thursday night, tossing six innings of one-run ball with five strikeouts in an 8-1 win over the Syracuse Mets.

"It felt good," Dobbins told NESN.com after his start on Thursday. "I've been getting adjusted, figuring out this level. I knew it was just a matter of time with the guys I've got behind me with the kind of offense we put up. I knew it wasn't gonna take to long. It's always good to see the win in the stats."

Dobbins sits around 97 mph with his fastball while sporting new additions with a sweeper and a splinker, the splitter-sinker variation made famous by Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes. The 25-year-old continues to work with this coaching staff to enhance quality pitch mix and attacking hitters.

"I think he has shown he's got really good stuff," Worcester manager Chad Tracy told reporters on Thursday. "... He's learning as he goes. (I've) been very impressed watching him. The stuff is real. We'll continue to refine with him."

"Everything's feeling really good," Dobbins shared. "I feel like I'm in a really good spot. Everything feels consistent for the most part. Velo was really good on the fastball. That's where I'm gonna try to sit next start and going forward. Overall, I like where all my stuff's at. Now, just tinkering and finding the best ways to attack hitters with it."

Dobbins highlighted his mental focus to keep velocity up and pitch deep into games throughout 2024 with an emphasis on attacking hitters in the Red Sox organization.

"I would think that that's the way he should be thinking, yes," Tracy added. "He's just now getting his first taste of Triple-A. He did very well in Double-A. He's conquered a level, and now he's here. I believe, in his mind, he should be thinking that way. We're trying to produce pitching in this organization. A homegrown issue to get guys to the big leagues that can produce. In his mind, with his stuff, his mindset should be, 'I want to take that path and be the guy that's a depth callup in the big leagues.' Absolutely, he should think that way."

Richard Fitts recently made his MLB debut, making a depth start for the Red Sox against the Chicago White Sox. If progress continues, Dobbins should be in that conversation to start 2025.

"It's always in the back of your mind," Dobbins offered. "I'm just focused on being here and fine-tuning my craft. If they do call, I'm ready. One thing that helps me come and work every day is that the season's not over for the big-league club. If I can maintain velo, who knows what can happen up there. Maybe I get a shot up this year. That's kind of keeping me pushing for this season. Next year is very exciting. Hopefully, I'm in an even better spot when I show up next year."