Former Miami Hurricanes pitcher Brian Van Belle has been called up by the Boston Red Sox, making his MLB debut after a strong Triple-A performance.
The culmination of years of tireless work, dedication, and overcoming long odds has finally arrived for former Miami Hurricanes pitcher Brian Van Belle. On June 9, 2025, the Boston Red Sox officially announced that they had selected the contract of the right-handed hurler from Triple-A Worcester, paving the way for his highly anticipated Major League Baseball debut. This call-up is a testament to Van Belle’s unwavering perseverance and a significant moment for the University of Miami baseball program, adding another proud alumnus to the ranks of MLB.
Van Belle’s journey to the big leagues is a compelling narrative of a player who defied expectations. After a standout collegiate career at the University of Miami, where he earned All-ACC Second Team honors in 2019 after posting a stellar 3.30 ERA over 16 starts and 95.1 innings, he faced the uncertainty of the 2020 MLB Draft. That year’s draft was significantly shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to many talented collegiate players going undrafted. Van Belle was one of them.
Undeterred, Van Belle signed with the Boston Red Sox as a non-drafted free agent in June 2020, embarking on a professional journey that would require immense resilience. He began his professional career in 2021 with the High-A Greenville Drive, posting a respectable 4.10 ERA over 18 starts. Over the next few seasons, he steadily climbed the organizational ladder, moving through Double-A Portland and eventually reaching Triple-A Worcester in 2023.
His minor league career has been marked by consistency and incremental improvement. In 2022, he split time between High-A and Double-A, compiling a 9-6 record with a 5.31 ERA across 28 appearances (24 starts). The 2023 season saw him continue to pitch in both Double-A and Triple-A, finishing with a 4.46 ERA in 27 games. In 2024, with Triple-A Worcester, he recorded a 4.42 ERA in 30 appearances, showcasing his versatility as both a starter and a reliever.
However, it was his performance to begin the 2025 season with the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox that truly propelled him into the Major League conversation. Through 12 games (8 starts) for the WooSox this year, Van Belle has compiled an impressive 5-1 record with a sparkling 2.29 ERA over 51.0 innings pitched. He has demonstrated excellent command, allowing only 7 walks while striking out 41 batters, resulting in a remarkable 1.06 WHIP. His ability to induce ground balls (51.7% ground-ball rate) has been a key factor in his success, limiting hard contact and home runs. He had earned the win in each of his last five appearances (four starts), posting a stifling 1.55 ERA during that stretch.
This stellar Triple-A performance caught the attention of the Red Sox front office and coaching staff, who were in need of a fresh arm capable of providing multiple innings, especially given the demands of the MLB schedule. To make room for Van Belle on the active roster, the Red Sox designated right-handed pitcher Robert Stock for assignment.
For the Boston Red Sox, calling up Van Belle represents a strategic move to bolster their pitching staff. His proven ability to pitch effectively as both a starter and a reliever at the Triple-A level provides valuable flexibility. His strong control and ground-ball tendencies suggest he could be an effective option for the big league club, particularly in high-leverage situations or when innings are needed from the bullpen.
For the University of Miami baseball program, Van Belle’s call-up is a source of immense pride. He becomes the 70th former Hurricane to reach Major League Baseball, further cementing Miami’s rich tradition as a developer of professional baseball talent. His journey serves as an inspiration to current and future Hurricanes, demonstrating that the path to the big leagues isn’t always linear, and perseverance can ultimately lead to the realization of a lifelong dream.
Van Belle, a native of Pembroke Pines, Florida, now joins one of the most storied franchises in baseball history. He will wear uniform number 77 for the Red Sox, and fans will eagerly anticipate his official Major League debut. His story is a powerful reminder that hard work, resilience, and consistent performance can pave the way to the highest level of professional baseball, even for those who start their journey as undrafted free agents. As he steps onto the mound in a Red Sox uniform, Brian Van Belle carries not only his own aspirations but also the proud legacy of Miami Hurricanes baseball.
