‘I try to come with a smile every day’

Boston Red Sox

“Just kind of using it for your team momentum-wise. But also, I’m out there, I’m gonna have a good time.”

Payton Tolle’s expressive personality on the mound is welcome in a city like Boston, which tends to take sports seriously. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff

By Kaley Brown

June 5, 2026 | 7:35 PM

2 minutes to read

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Payton Tolle made himself a household name among fans when he made his MLB debut against Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes on Aug. 29, 2025.

Tolle struck out eight batters in 5.1 innings and showed off his high-velocity fastball. He was dominant on the mound and looked like a veteran at Fenway Park.

Since that day, the left-hander has continued gaining supporters by showing intense emotion when things are going well on the diamond.

Tolle, 23, isn’t afraid of letting out a roar after recording a big, inning-ending strikeout or inducing a double play to get out of a jam.

He’s strategic about showing emotion on the field, but he likes to use his excitement to his and the team’s advantage.

“If someone can have as much fun watching me as I’m having out there, I’ve done my job. I’m having so much fun.”

– @RedSox rookie LHP Payton Tolle is living the dream 🙌 pic.twitter.com/FgOfGvwiFL

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 5, 2026

“Through college you kind of learn when to use it,” Tolle explained on MLB Network Friday. “Bottom of the second is not the time to black out on the mound after you got a guy to roll over.

“Just kind of using it for your team momentum-wise. But also, I’m out there, I’m gonna have a good time.”

Tolle got fired up during a start last month in which he didn’t have his best stuff, but for good reason.

On Mother’s Day, May 10, Tolle was in line to pitch. The date happened to be one day after the two-year anniversary of his mother Jina’s passing. After striking out Tampa Bay Rays slugger Junior Caminero despite the Red Sox trailing by three runs, he celebrated as he walked off the mound.

Payton Tolle has pitched a lot better than his line currently shows. Still bringing the energy after getting Junior Caminero with a strikeout this time. 4th of the day.

Zack Kelly was warming with a bunch of righties lurking. pic.twitter.com/v94sZz1eES

— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) May 10, 2026

Tolle credited his mother for encouraging him to “play with joy” in a sport where it’s rare to see strong emotions during a regular season game.

“My mom was a big part of that. ‘Have joy. Play with joy today. Show people why you love the game,’” he said. “Because that’s what it is.”

Tolle enjoys hearing that viewers enjoy watching him pitch every five days. During what’s been a dismal season for Boston, his infectious energy is even more delightful to see.

“If I can have somebody have as much fun watching me as I’m having out there, I’ve done my job. Because I’m having so much fun,” he said. “The biggest compliment that I get is whenever somebody’s like, ‘I enjoy watching you pitch.’ It’s like, ‘I enjoy being out there! So thank you!’ … I try to come with a smile every day.”

Tolle’s personality doesn’t just shine through on the mound. He’s also a must-listen during postgame press conferences and interviews.

After committing a balk during his latest start on June 3 versus the Baltimore Orioles, Tolle said he was dumbfounded by the mistake during a hilarious postgame media availability.

“I wish I could tell you!” Tolle exclaimed after covering his face with his hands. “There was no brain there. ‘We’re in a groove with the windup, let’s just go back to it,’ you know.”

Tolle continued while laughing at himself, and tossed in some sarcasm when trying to come to terms with what took place.

“I haven’t had a balk this year – so I thought, ‘this is a perfect time for it,’” he quipped. “I was in disbelief at myself. Creates good TV, I guess. I don’t know.”

Tolle’s comical answer and facial expressions are uniquely his, especially on a team like the 2026 last-place Red Sox. Or compared to most Red Sox teams this decade.