Christopher Troye was dominant in the Boston Red Sox’s minor league system in 2023, but 2024 was a difficult season for him on several fronts.
The right-handed reliever missed some time, struggled with walks, wasn’t hitting at his usual velocity, and his ERA suffered as a result. However, Troye improved throughout the year.
The 2025 season could be critical for the University of California, Santa Barbara product. For what it’s worth, he continues to fascinate me as a massive right-hander with power pitches that include a heavy fastball and a good slider.
We sat down with him for a few words to see what his thoughts are on 2025.
Red Sox’s 2021 draft pick already proving he can bounce back from rough 2024
Q: What were your offseason goals/plans? What do you feel you accomplished?
“Gotta keep driving velo, going hard, and working on it. Which is kind of funny because I believe that is where I came from. When they drafted me, I was throwing a hundred. It’s as if he throws a hundred, big pitches with a lot of swing and miss. Now we need to get him into the zone.
“I feel like my velocity dropped throughout the season last year, but that forced me to learn how to pitch a little bit. Pitch backward, as if you were throwing a first-pitch slider. It was the least I’d ever used my fastball.
I believe I was 40 percent fastball, 30 percent cutter, and 30 percent slider. The previous year, it was around 65%, 30%, and 5%. I’ve always favored fastballs. But it was beneficial because I learned how to pitch and mix things up.
“I know that as the velo continues to drive and we continue to promote velocity and keep going up, now blended with the new pitching experience, I feel like the ceiling is limitless.”
Q: You had some struggles last year but figured it out by the end of the season. I know you are your own harshest critic. What was going through your head last year?
“My velo was suddenly dropping, and we were trying to figure it out. We looked into the process and tried a variety of bullpen scripts. We tried some different variable training, and I believe it was just one, two, three, four, or five adjustments away. It felt like, ‘How do I get back to where I was and who I am?’
“That is why they placed me on the dev list and returned me to Florida. I returned with a hole to climb out of. At the time, I think I had an ERA of about 12. So, to finish the season with a 4.50 or whatever it was, I’m pretty proud of myself for how I recovered, battled, and climbed out of a deep hole.”
Q: What are your statistical goals for 2025?
“Number one is to stay healthy.” So, in general, I believe that more innings are better. I don’t have any hard numbers that I’m pushing for because I believe they would limit my potential.
From a velocity standpoint, I’m attempting to hit 97. In my last spring outing, I hit 97 on the backfield, which is exciting for both me and many of the guys who are invested in my career.
“If I’m healthy and I’m 97, good things will happen.”
Q: Was there someone in spring who you feel particularly helped you?
“I had many conversations with Willard. We spent a lot of time reviewing videos and discussing bullpen scripts and some constraints. Special thanks to the conditioning staff. Nick Shed, Jonah, and Nick LeRue.
All of those guys have been fantastic at customizing my weight-lifting routine, as well as the physical work and adjustments I need to make to achieve those speeds.
“Between the pitching department and strength and conditioning, I’ve got a lot of guys who are trying to help me, and I owe a lot of the process and a lot of the work that we’ve designed to them.”
Q: In the past, you had steak nights with Marcelo Mayer, Blaze Jordan, and a few others. Do you still do that, and are there replacements for those not on the team anymore?
“For sure. The culture that started has only grown. Mikey Romero organized a poker night after everyone moved into our Portland apartments and ordered pizzas for the guys.
“I know we’ll go to some dinners and hang out. I am confident that culture will continue to evolve with new faces.”
Q: Who won that first poker night?
“I had to sit it out, unfortunately. I was still unpacking, but I know a lot of the guys went there and did that.”
Q: What are the clubhouse vibes at the moment?
“Excited. It’s a new season with new opportunities. I believe that begins at the top. We’re watching the Boston Red Sox in the clubhouse, rooting for our teammate KC (Kristian Campbell) and everyone else. I feel like with the amount of time I spent on that side during spring training, I’m looking out for my teammates.
“I enjoyed spending time in the bullpen with [Brennan] Bernardino and [Justin] Slaten. So now I’m checking the box score and rooting for them. We’re watching major leaguers and Triple-A players.
We are rooting them on. I know we have a strong farm. I understand we have a strong Big League club. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be a part of this organization.”
Q: You spent some time with Kristian Campbell last year. What was your reaction to him getting the call up to the Majors? What was your reaction to the payday he got?
“We lived together in Portland last year. My first roommate was [Zach] Penrod, and Penrod got called up. Campbell took his spot.”
Q: So you’re the lucky roommate, is what you’re telling me? People should want to room with you?
“[laughs] Yeah, I got some good mojo. Maybe I should’ve traded rooms [laughs].
“I was just happy for him. Everyone knows he’s genuine. He’s himself, he’s quiet, he’s more reserved. He’s just a really good person. When you see guys like that, you can’t help but be happy for him.”
Q: What should Red Sox fans expect from you this year? What do you want them to know about you?
“I am giving it my all. I’m going to give this game everything I’ve got: sweat, blood, and tears. “If I do that, I like my chances.”
