No. 22 @Athletics prospect Joe Boyle had a memorable MLB debut.
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) September 18, 2023
He brought the heat by touching 99.7 mph and striking out four in three scoreless innings: https://t.co/sIzBH2b9Ms pic.twitter.com/4elfhNtAwB
Another guy who started making some noise at the major league level in 2023 is righty Joe Boyle. Acquired in the Sam Moll trade back in 2022, Boyle joined the Athletics and has been an effective starter at multiple levels.
Boyle posted a sub 2.20 ERA between Double-A and Triple-A the past two years and had a strong debut in Oakland at the end of 2023. Boyle started three games for the Athletics, posting a 1.69 ERA with a 3.13 FIP and a 25% strikeout rate.
Statcast loves the lanky righty. Coming in at 6' 7", Boyle's high-90's fastball puts him in the 95th percentile league-wide and his big frame gets him great extension on the mound. He primarily throws a fastball and a slider, but does mix in a curveball from time to time.
Boyle is currently slated to be in the conversation for the opening day rotation. Ken Waldichuk's availability is up in the air, so Boyle will be in competition with guys like Luis Medina, Osvaldo Bido, Freddy Tarnok, and Adrian Martinez.
Given Boyle's performance in 2023, both in Oakland and in the minors, he should be one of the first guys to get a chance to grab a spot. It'll be a bit dependent on his performance in the spring but we expect Boyle to win a starting job and excel in 2024.