Brayan Bello, Red Sox Engaged in Contract Extension Talks Ahead of 2024 MLB Season

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Brayan Bello suggested Wednesday that he may be closing in on a contract extension.

Speaking to MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo through an interpreter, Bello said he and the Red Sox have been engaged in contract talks, and when asked if they are getting close, he replied "mas o menos," which translates to "more or less" or "maybe."

Bello added: "They've been talking to my agents. The agents have been the ones dealing with the team. I told them if we have a good offer to let me know. I'm still looking at everything that's going on, but they're the ones who have taken care of that for me."

The 24-year-old Bello is set to enter his third Major League season in Boston, and his contract is in the pre-arbitration stage. He isn't eligible for arbitration until 2026, per Spotrac.

Bello made his MLB debut in 2022, pitching 13 games for the Red Sox, including 11 starts. He went just 2-8 with a 4.71 ERA and 1.77 WHIP, but he struck out 55 batters in 57.1 innings and had a 2.94 FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching), which suggests he was a bit unlucky.

Last season, Bello became a full-time member of Boston's starting rotation, going 12-11 in 28 starts and posting a 4.24 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 132 strikeouts over 157 innings pitched.

The Dominican righty figures to be an even more pivotal piece of the rotation in 2024 in the wake of trading ace Chris Sale to the Atlanta Braves.

While there is still time to make some moves and several notable free agents remain available, the Red Sox were not as active on the free-agent market this offseason as many expected.

Their key signings to this point have been starting pitcher Lucas Giolito and reliever Liam Hendriks, which suggests the front office is putting a great deal of faith in the idea that existing players will continue to develop and take a leap forward.

From a starting pitching perspective, Bello is by far the youngest hurler expected to be part of the initial starting rotation, so it is understandable why Boston would like to ensure he is around for the long haul.

Kutter Crawford and Tanner Houck, both of whom are 27, have a chance to improve in 2024 as well, but Bello is the one pitcher currently in the rotation with the potential to be an ace in the future if everything goes right in his development.

Given their lack of activity this offseason and the fact that the Red Sox finished last in the American League East last season with a 78-84 record, they aren't expected to contend in 2024.

Still, it could be a pivotal season for the organization in terms of bringing along younger players and perhaps locking them into long-term deals, which could be the plan with Bello.