Left-handed pitcher Payton Tolle focused on baseball’s latest trending pitch while at the JetBlue Park complex in Fort Myers after being drafted by the Red Sox in the second round out of TCU in July.
“We began developing a sweeper grip,” Tolle said. “In my view, that’s the new pitch in baseball. Everyone is eager to learn how to throw a sweeper effectively because it can be a very impactful pitch.”
Tolle is now the top prospect remaining in Boston’s 2024 draft class following the Red Sox’s recent trade of outfielder Braden Montgomery (the 12th overall pick) to the White Sox as part of the Garrett Crochet deal last week.
The Red Sox chose Tolle with the 50th overall pick and signed him for a 2millionbonus,slightlyabovethe 1.846 million slot value. He joined the organization boasting a four-pitch repertoire (fastball, slider, changeup, curveball), excellent extension, and a traditional workhorse starter frame at 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds. Recently, MassLive identified him as one of nine Red Sox prospects who might break out in 2025 and earn a spot on Baseball America’s Top 100 list.
While in Fort Myers, Tolle also tried out various changeup grips.
“It’s often trial and error to determine which grips work for me, considering my arm slot, angle, and how they will complement my fastball,” Tolle explained. “This summer, focusing on the sweeper and changeup was key.”
He described his slider as having undergone an “identity crisis” during his last season at TCU, as he was trying to decide how he wanted it to perform.
“I had to choose whether to throw it harder for a tighter break or to dial it back a few miles per hour—around 81-82 mph—for more depth and movement,” Tolle said. “Throughout the season, I was figuring out the best approach, and when I got to Fort Myers, they said, ‘Let’s focus on the sweeper for now, and we can work on the slider later.’”
At TCU, Tolle said he threw his fastball about 75% of the time, finishing the season with a 3.21 ERA and 1.16 WHIP over 14 starts (81⅓ innings), striking out 37.1% of batters faced (125 strikeouts out of 337). He primarily uses a four-seam fastball.
“I aim to get it to ride,” he noted. “I want it in the upper part of the zone with good rising action.”
He delivers his fastball at 90-96 mph but prefers the 91-93 mph range.
“When the season gets underway, I want to push it to 94, 95, or even 96,” he remarked.
Tolle’s above-average extension makes his fastball appear more formidable to hitters.
“I think I’m delivering it nearly a foot further than average,” he said. “That definitely helps. I prefer it at the top of the zone, utilizing a lower release point, which makes it harder for hitters to see. I like getting swings and misses on high fastballs, and I find that throwing inside can also be effective for me.”
During his time at TCU, Tolle developed a curveball after transferring from Wichita State for his final collegiate season.
“It was a useful pitch, especially on days when my slider wasn’t biting as much,” he recalled. “There was one start where my slider wasn’t working, so I relied more on the curveball. It’s much slower and loopier, around 75 mph, which makes my fastball—generally around 91—appear quicker.”
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow remarked in July that Tolle is “every bit of 6-foot-6.”
“He has a big, projectable body,” Breslow stated, adding that Tolle possesses unique release traits that the organization values.
Tolle weighed in at 270 pounds on Friday, definitely fitting the mold of a traditional workhorse starter.
“In college, I always wanted to be the go-to guy. I wanted to be out there until I felt like I might pass out,” he said. “I love being on the mound. Last season, I threw a game with 138 pitches. I want to be out there as often as possible, impacting the game.”
The upcoming season and his professional debut can’t come soon enough.
“I’m eager to compete again,” Tolle said. “Being in Fort Myers is great, but I’m ready to get back to playing games and watching from the dugout. I really need that competitive outlet, and that’s what I’m most excited about.”
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