Minor Notes: Playoffs set to begin; Nationals reportedly hire Toboni
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It was the first full week without minor league games, but there were several big news stories for Boston fans to follow. The one getting the most attention is the playoff roster for the Wild Card Series against the Yankees. There was also a big shakeup in the baseball operations department with Paul Toboni leaving, while Payton Tolle and Jhostynxon Garcia (pictured) received notable accolades.
Playoff preview
Chris and Ian got together for a new episode of the Podcast to preview the MLB playoffs. They discuss how the Red Sox got to 89 wins, and who they suspect will be included on the playoff roster. Later in the episode, they do a season review of each affiliate while picking the top offensive player and pitcher for each team.
Nationals hire Toboni to lead baseball operations
Red Sox Senior Vice President/Assistant General Manager Paul Toboni has reportedly been hired by the Washington Nationals to lead their baseball operations department. Toboni, 35, was a fast-riser in Boston's organization. His career started 10 years ago as a baseball operations intern with the Red Sox, and he held various leadership positions including the Director of Amateur Scouting and the Vice President of Amateur Scouting and Player Development.
Back when Toboni was the Director of Amateur Scouting in 2021, he joined Chris and Ian as a guest on the Podcast. He discussed his career to that point, how the Red Sox set a draft board, and talked in-depth about the 2020 and 2021 drafts that he led.
Sánchez outrighted to Worcester
After being designated for assignment, Ali Sánchez cleared waivers and got assigned to Worcester. He will serve as a depth option in case of an injury to either Carlos Narváez or Connor Wong. Sanchez will likely choose to be a minor league free agent after the season if Boston does not add him to the 40-man roster.
Red Sox announce winners of 2025 minor league awards
The Red Sox baseball operations department and minor league roving instructors selected the organizations award winners. The two biggest awards went to Payton Tolle (Pitcher of the Year) and
Jhostynxon Garcia (Offensive Player of the Year). Also winning awards were Ahbram Liendo, Miguel Bleis, Josue Brito, and Angelo Ladera.
Right-hander Hunter Dobbins was also named the winner of the Lou Gorman Award which is given to the player who "demonstrated dedication and perseverance in overcoming obstacles while working his way to the Major League team."
Harrison's evolving repertoire
In an interview for Fangraphs, David Laurila talked with Kyle Harrison about the changes made to his pitch mix since coming to Boston in the Rafael Devers trade. While his fastball and slurve remain his two primary pitches, a new cutter and a modified changeup have been added to his arsenal. Harrison discusses those pitches and some of the different philosophies the Red Sox have compared with the Giants.
De León shines in finale
Many fans were surprised when José De León got added to the 40-man roster to make a spot start in game 162 for Boston. De León had gone 0-9 with a 6.93 ERA this season with the WooSox. In the last game of the season against the Tigers he picked up his first win after allowing three runs over 6 2/3 innings with eight strikeouts. Even more impressive is the fact that he had not been throwing and was back home in Puerto Rico when he got the call for the spot start. To make room for him in Boston, Chris Murphy got optioned to Worcester.
Brand out, Allmer in for the AFL
A broken toe for Jonathan Brand will cause him to miss the Arizona Fall League. Taking his place is Jay Allmer. The 23-year-old was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2025, and put up a 2.79 ERA over 51 2/3 innings with Salem.
Where are they now?
Brandon Walter, the 2021 SoxProspects.com Pitcher of the Year, underwent his second Tommy John surgery. Walter had revitalized his career with the Astros this season after being designated for assignment by Boston in 2024. In nine starts with Houston he had a 3.35 ERA and 0.93 WHIP with 52 strikeouts in 53 2/3 innings.
Photo credit: Jhostynxon Garcia by Kelly O'Connor