Red Sox $55M Starter Sets Bold 2025 Goals Amid Injury Delay

As the Boston Red Sox gear up for the 2025 season, they are already facing challenges with their starting rotation. While none of the injuries appear to be long-term, losing key arms this early has raised concerns.

Lucas Giolito, Brayan Bello, and Kutter Crawford will all start the season on the injured list. Though the team expects them back at various points in April, missing half of their projected rotation before Opening Day is far from ideal.

Of the three, Brayan Bello seems closest to returning. The 25-year-old right-hander has been recovering from shoulder soreness, which set him back early in spring training. However, he has made steady progress, including throwing live batting practice earlier this week. Even so, it’s a stark contrast from last season, when Bello had the honor of starting on Opening Day. This year, he won’t even be in the stadium when the Red Sox take the field for their first game.

Now entering the second season of his $55 million arbitration extension, Bello has high expectations to fulfill. But rather than focusing on external pressures, he’s setting ambitious personal goals. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, he shared his vision for the year, as reported by MassLive’s Christopher Smith:

“My goal is when I do start to pitch, to be at my very best so I can help this team with our goal, which is to make it to the World Series. Me personally, I want to make it to the All-Star Game. I want to play in the postseason. Those are all things I want to do, and I just want to be at 100% and giving my best.”

Bello’s 2024 season was a mix of highs and lows, finishing with a 4.49 ERA across 28 starts. However, he showed clear improvement in the second half, posting a 3.47 ERA in 13 starts after the All-Star break. That late-season success has fueled optimism that he could take the next step in his development.

The good news for Red Sox fans is that Bello’s return may not be far off. According to Smith, he is targeting the team’s first homestand, starting April 4 against the St. Louis Cardinals, for his comeback. While he may only miss a start or two, making up for lost time will be key, especially if he hopes to achieve his All-Star aspirations.

For a team looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign, having a healthy and dominant Bello could make a significant difference. If he can build on his late-season momentum, he could play a crucial role in helping the Red Sox compete in the AL East and chase their ultimate goal—a return to the World Series.