The Boston Red Sox have to be excited about the start of a new season.
Each of the past two seasons have ended poorly for Boston.
They won exactly 78 games each year.
That is not going to cut it for a team that has playoff expectations.
Playing in the AL East means the Red Sox will have to be at their best from the beginning of the year.
It is the toughest division in baseball, as all five teams have playoff aspirations.
One of the most interesting things about the Red Sox is their Opening Day starter.
According to B/R Walk-Off, Brayan Bello has been named Opening Day starter for Boston.
At 24 years old, he is their youngest Opening Day starter since Aaron Sele in 1995.
Brayan Bello has been named the Opening Day starter for the Red Sox at 24 years old
He is Boston's youngest Opening Day starter since Aaron Sele in 1995 pic.twitter.com/wVnGw6Ns7J
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) March 19, 2024
Bello has all the makings to be an ace.
But, he still needs time to develop.
You can tell the Red Sox expect big things from Bello this season and for many to come.
They gave Bello a six-year, $55 million contract extension earlier this month.
That is rare for a pitcher who has only thrown 214.1 career innings across two seasons.
Also, he is coming off a season where he went 12-11 with a 4.24 ERA.
But, if he has a dominant season this year his price would have been a lot higher.
So Boston must expect big things from Bello this season.
Like every season, strong pitching is a great way to stay alive in the playoff race.
Boston will be relying heavily on the 24-year-old to take that next step into stardom.
NEXT: Red Sox Dealing With Lingering Kenley Jansen Issue