Payton Tolle's early arrival will have unexpected Red Sox roster ripple effect

WooSox pitcher Payton Tolle gets ready to throw a pitch during his first Triple-A start on Aug. 10, 2025 at Polar Park. | WooSox Photo/Ashley Green / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesThis week, the Boston Red Sox selected top pitching prospect Payton Tolle’s contract and added him to the 40-man roster – a move that prevents him from being eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this winter. While that was undoubtedly the right move for Boston, Tolle's roster spot came at the expense of leaving someone else exposed.

Any prospects who were signed at 18 or younger and have not been added to their club's 40-man roster within five seasons of their signing are at risk of getting snatched up by another team…