Noah Song is beginning to look like the prospect the Boston Red Sox always hoped he would become.
After years of uncertainty tied to his military commitment, followed by Tommy John surgery in 2024, Song has quietly worked his way back into the Red Sox’s pitching conversation.
Since returning in May, he has climbed from the Florida Complex League to the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs, flashing the kind of command and movement that once made him a first-round talent.
Across all minor league levels this year, Song holds a 0.59 ERA with 37 strikeouts and just seven walks. In Portland alone, he has posted a 1.13 ERA through four outings.
“He looks like someone who could help Boston before season’s end,” Alex Mayes of Talk Sox wrote.
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The Red Sox’s bullpen has been improving, so there’s no rush to bring up Song right now. But after a tough stretch in May — when the group threw the second-most innings in baseball — depth is still a real concern. If the trade market comes up short, help from within might have to do.
Several pitchers expected to play key roles for the Red Sox are still working their way back from the injured list. Late season help is unlikely to come from Justin Slaten, who remains without a timetable to return from shoulder inflammation. Kutter Crawford has suffered a recent setback that may threaten the rest of his season. Liam Hendriks is working his way back from a hip issue, but his season has been up and down. Jordan Hicks is also nearing a return from the IL, though questions will remain about his effectiveness until he’s back on the mound regularly.
Song’s fastball velocity is gradually returning, now sitting in the mid-90s. His arsenal —which includes a curveball, slider and changeup — gives him the profile of a versatile middle reliever, if not more.
For a Red Sox club with limited upper-level pitching options, Song’s resurgence could not come at a better time.
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