Red Sox select Big 12 Pitcher of the Year in second round
In the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft, the Red Sox added a talented pitcher to the mix in left-hander Payton Tolle. The 50th overall pick is coming off a stellar season for the Horned Frogs, in which he was a strikeout machine while his stock skyrocketed.
After transferring from Wichita State, Tolle made an immediate impact, posting a 3.21 ERA in 81.1 innings. In 14 starts, he struck out 125 batters and added one complete game to his resume. The Oklahoma native was hard to get on base against, holding opponents to a .198 batting average.
Due to his success, Tolle has been busy adding to his trophy case over the last few months. In May, he was named the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year and Newcomer of the Year. Conference play brought out the best in his abilities, as Tolle posted a 2.26 ERA in 12 games. As he frustrated hitters, Tolle became the first player to win pitcher and newcomer awards from any school in the Big 12 in the same season.
Entering the draft, Tolle was rated as the 87th-best prospect. His arsenal includes a fastball that tops out at 96 MPH, a slider, and a changeup that keeps hitters off balance. While he has received some comparisons to Marlins reliever Tanner Scott, he thrived as a starter in college and excelled in big moments. He has the stuff to produce a lot of swings and misses, which will be key in the minors.
Regardless of Tolle's role in the majors, the Red Sox have high expectations for the left-hander. He is the first pitcher the organization has drafted in the first two rounds since Tanner Houck in 2017.
On Monday, the Red Sox will be looking to keep improving their depth in Rounds 3-10. After adding outfielder Braden Montgomery and Tolle on Day One, excitement is already building for the future of this draft class, with plenty of talent prospects on board.
