On Monday, the Boston Red Sox lost to the Minnesota Twins in their most recent spring training game.
The Red Sox have just one more exhibition game before their Opening Day showdown against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday.
Boston Red Sox Make Roster Decision
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 05: Manager Alex Cora #13 of the Boston Red Sox watches the action against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning at Chase Field on September 05, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
On Monday night, the news came out that Connelly Early would make the roster for Opening Day.
Chris Cotillo of MassLive wrote: “It appears Red Sox plan to carry both Connelly Early and Johan Oviedo on the Opening Day roster. A twist at the end of camp designed to provide length with Ranger Suárez and Brayan Bello both a little behind due to WBC.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 02: Connelly Early #71 of the Boston Red Sox pitches during game three of the American League Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on October 02, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Early is coming off a season where he appeared in four games for the Red Sox.
The 23-year-old went 1-2 with a 2.33 ERA.
He also appeared in one playoff game.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 16: Connelly Early #71 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after being taken out of a game against the Athletics during the sixth inning at Fenway Park on September 16, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
MLB Social Media Reacts To News
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 16: Connelly Early #71 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Athletics during the first inning at Fenway Park on September 16, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Here’s what people were saying about the news:
Tyler Milliken: “Stoked for Connelly Early. He put in the work this offseason by adding weight and it’s only made him nastier. 1.59 ERA/3.01 FIP in 17 IP. That’s with an 8.1 Opponent Quality.
Have a feeling that sending him down is going to be even harder once Bello/Suarez are fully built up.”
@trashtakes0: “I love Connelly Early. So happy he made the Opening Day roster. I just wish he was going to be a starter.. Bullpen I assume? Hoping it doesn’t mess up his flow. #RedSox”
@JakeIggy: “I’m guessing that with Connelly Early likely making the Opening Day roster, that he’ll be the long reliever since Crawford and Sandoval aren’t ready. Once one of them is, I see them sending Early down. He can also help fill-in innings since Bello and Suarez are behind”
@19MACMILLAN: “Do NOT be surprised if Connelly Early is regarded as the #2 starter on the Red Sox this year. He’s that good.”
Red Sox Ahead Of 2026
GettyMONTERREY, MEXICO – MARCH 24: Manager Alex Cora of the Boston Red Sox enters the field prior to the MLB Monterrey Series between the Boston Red Sox and Sultanes de Monterrey at estadio Mobil Super on March 24, 2025 in Monterrey, Mexico. (Photo by Azael Rodriguez/Getty Images)
The Red Sox are coming off a year where they went 89-73.
They lost to the New York Yankees in the AL Wild Card Round.
That said, the Red Sox have the talent to make a deep run in 2026.
Boston Red Sox Make Surprising Roster Decision After Twins Game