Starting pitcher Bello signs long term extension with Red Sox

*Photo from the Boston Globe*

   One piece of the future has been locked up. The Boston Red Sox and RHP Brayan Bello have agreed to a 6 year, $55 million contract, according to ESPN's Kiley McDaniel. The Red Sox have confirmed the signing.

   The deal has a $1 million signing bonus and also contains incentives. The Red Sox also have a team option worth $21 million for a 7th season, which would keep him in Boston through the end of the 2030 season. The extension begins this season. The timing of the news comes as the Red Sox have two spring training games in Bello's home country, the Dominican Republic, this weekend against the Tampa Bay Rays.

   Last season was Bello's first full season in the majors after debuting in the second half of 2022. He posted a 4.24 ERA, 4.54 FIP, and 1.338 WHIP, averaging 7.6 strikeouts per 9 innings and 2.6 walks per 9 in 28 starts, throwing 157 innings.

   Bello was signed by the Red Sox as an international free agent in 2017 as an 18 year old. Largely an under the radar prospect, Bello turned the corner in 2022 when he posted a 1.69 ERA with Double A Portland and a 2.34 ERA combined between Double A and Triple A.

   He then was called up in the second half of 2022 as the Red Sox were dealing with injuries to a chunk of their starting rotation. He has flashed top of the rotation potential throughout his time in the majors, though some bad outings have resulted in inflated ERA totals.

   Bello has pitched in one full season and effectively half of a second season with the Red Sox between 2022 and 2023. He has a 1.456 WHIP, 4.37 ERA, and 4.11 FIP to his name, throwing one complete game while averaging one home run allowed per 9, 7.9 strikeouts per 9, and 3 walks per 9 while throwing 214 1/3 innings between 39 starts and two appearances out of the bullpen.

   In the wake of Lucas Giolito set to miss an extended period of time with an elbow injury, Bello now becomes the prime candidate to take the mound for the Red Sox as they open the regular season on March 28 against the Seattle Mariners.