Red Sox Name Brayan Bello as 2024 MLB Opening Day SP; Youngest for Boston in 29 Years

Ten days after signing Brayan Bello to a long-term contract extension, the Boston Red Sox announced the right-hander will be their Opening Day starter.

Manager Alex Cora made the announcement on Tuesday. The 24-year-old Bello will be Boston's youngest Opening Day starter since Aaron Sele in 1995.

"I do believe he's in a stage in his career and in the organization that he is the right one for that game," Cora said of Bello. "We made a big commitment with him a few weeks ago. He made a big commitment with us. And it goes hand in hand. Last year he proved he belongs here. And it just feels like he's done everything we've asked him to do throughout the offseason, in spring training. He keeps improving. He'll be the guy in Game 1."

Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald noted Bello will be Boston's first homegrown pitcher to start on Opening Day since Clay Buccholz in 2015.

The Red Sox signed Bello to a six-year, $55 million contract on March 9 that ties him to the club through the 2029 season. The deal also includes a $21 million team option for 2030.

Bello's path to getting the start in the first game of the season opened up in the offseason when Chris Sale was traded to the Atlanta Braves. Boston's front office didn't make any additions to the rotation in free agency, at least not yet.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post and MLB Network noted the Red Sox are among the teams still interested in Jordan Montgomery.

Even if Montgomery were to sign with Boston today, there's not enough time for him to get ready for the start of the regular season.

Bello was originally signed by the Red Sox as an international free agent in July 2017 out of the Dominican Republic. He made his MLB debut midway through the 2022 season.

Last year was Bello's first full season in the big leagues. He posted a 4.24 ERA with 132 strikeouts in 157 innings. The right-hander was the only Red Sox pitcher who threw at least 150 innings.

The Red Sox open the 2024 regular season on March 28 against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park.

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