The Boston Red Sox are fighting to secure a spot in the postseason, and Brayan Bello is playing a huge role for the team. With the World Baseball Classic coming up, Bello could be considered for the Dominican Republic.
Bello was not part of the team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, but his recent play may put him under consideration for next year. However, Bello is not focused on the World Baseball Classic right now, despite his desire to play.
Bello said that he is focusing on finishing out the season, staying healthy and helping the Red Sox make a run. He noted he would focus on trying to play in the World Baseball Classic after the season and would love to represent his country. Bello finished off by saying he has had no conversations with the Red Sox about playing in the World Baseball Classic, and the mindset right now is to finish out the season strong, making the comments to Dominican outlet Tu Sabor Deportivo.
Bello signed a six-year, $55 million contract with the Red Sox last year. Coming into the season, he had a 4.42 ERA, making his extension look like a somewhat questionable move. Through his first seven starts this season, he had a 4.08 ERA, but he has turned things around. In his last 16 outings, he has a 2.71 ERA and 75 strikeouts. All five of his starts in June were quality starts, and he has made a total of 12 quality starts in his last 16 games.
“He started behind. He wasn’t ready in spring training, was able to build up a little bit. Threw the ball OK but he wasn’t efficient,” manager Alex Cora told MassLive’s Chris Cotillo following Bello’s last start. “He got better. Now, every five days, it feels like (Garrett) Crochet. It’s Brayan’s night and we’re gonna be OK.”
Crochet is having a phenomenal season and could be the Cy Young Award winner in the American League this year, so the praise from his manager is no small feat. Bello could be a force for the Dominican Republic if he participates in the World Baseball Classic. He is starting to show why the Red Sox extended him in the first place.
One of the biggest changes in Bello’s game from last season is his fastball. His fastball velocity is slightly down, but the usage of his different fastballs is making a difference. Last season, he only threw his four-seam fastball 5% of the time, relying on his sinker 40% of the time, per Baseball Savant. His fastball run value was at minus-six last season. However, this year he has started throwing a cutter and using his four-seamer more. He throws the cutter 13% of the time and his four-seamer is being used 16% of the time. He still relies heavily on his sinker, but his fastball run value is at plus-10 now, putting him in the 88th percentile.
Photo: Boston Red Sox’s Brayan Bello delivers a pitch in the first inning of a baseball game, Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)
