The Red Sox pitching program has undergone a remarkable transformation, and the team is now brimming with talented pitchers. This success hasn't gone unnoticed, and the former director of pitching, Justin Willard, has been poached by the New York Mets to become their major league pitching coach.
The Red Sox are now entrusting the future of their pitching pipeline to a dynamic duo: Ben Buck and Quinn Cleary. These two individuals are tasked with continuing the momentum and ensuring the club's success in developing young pitchers.
Ben Buck, a former college coach and independent baseball player, has been promoted to director of pitching. His unique background includes a stint in a poker room, which he believes has prepared him for the coaching role in unexpected ways. Buck's ability to remember faces and names, handle conflicts, and understand risk and aggression has transferred seamlessly to his new position.
Quinn Cleary, just 26 years old, has an equally intriguing journey. He has risen quickly through the front office ranks, interning at Cressey Sports Performance and working with the Philadelphia Phillies and Seattle Mariners. Cleary's new role is a hybrid, combining front office duties with coaching and player development, and he aims to add value wherever needed.
"What a great hire," Buck said of Cleary. "Sharp mind, huge feel... I hope to continue to learn from him."
Cleary's family history is also quite fascinating. His grandfather, Bill Cleary, was a member of the gold medal-winning 1960 U.S. Olympic hockey team and a longtime coach at Harvard. Cleary himself attended rival Yale, a departure from the family tradition.
With three pitchers ranked in Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects list and a wealth of young talent from recent drafts, Buck and Cleary have a strong foundation to build upon. They aim to continue the evolution and improvement of the pitching program, searching for those small percentages that can make a big difference.
And in other news, Brayan Bello, a native of Samana, will make his first start in the Dominican Republic in front of friends and family. This emotional homecoming will be a memorable moment for the 26-year-old right-hander.
Additionally, several local standouts with Boston-area ties, including Shea Sprague and Jack Winnay, are hoping to make their dreams of playing for the Red Sox a reality. The organization is excited about their potential, and both players have already made an impact in their respective minor league seasons.
Lastly, Max Burt, a former St. John's Prep and Northeastern University star, has signed with the Detroit Tigers as a minor league free agent. Burt, a longtime Yankees minor leaguer, is now looking to make a fresh start and push for a major league opportunity with his new team.
The Red Sox pitching program is in good hands with Buck and Cleary at the helm, and the future looks bright for these talented pitchers and local prospects.
