The Boston Red Sox have bolstered their minor league pitching depth by signing a towering 6-foot-6 right-handed relief pitcher to a minor league contract. The move adds a high-upside arm to the organization as they prepare for the 2026 season, giving the team more options in the bullpen pipeline.
The new addition is known for his ability to generate strikeouts without relying on overpowering velocity, instead using a combination of craftiness and pitch mix to keep hitters off balance. Scouts have noted that his low-to-mid 90s fastball, combined with secondary pitches, makes him a difficult matchup at the minor league level.
That pitcher is Patrick Halligan, a 26-year-old who was originally drafted in the 13th round of the 2021 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals. He has spent time across multiple organizations, including the Royals, Atlanta Braves, and Houston Astros systems, primarily pitching at the AA and AAA levels. Last season, Halligan posted a 3.48 ERA with 62 strikeouts over 51.2 innings, showing solid strikeout ability and control.
Standing at 230 pounds, Halligan is built to work deep into games at the minor league level, and the Red Sox hope he can develop into a reliable bullpen option. With his combination of size, experience, and strikeout potential, he adds another intriguing arm to Boston’s minor league system and could be a contributor in the near future.