Really interesting reading my Media Day notes following the end of the year. Particularly the Wyatt Olds part and the final bit about Tolle.
Notes from WooSox Media Day 2026
-Let’s just get this out of the way: Noah Song is unaware that he’s a meme. I'm not even certain Noah Song knows what a meme is. This is because Noah Song isn’t on social media at all, and man, do I respect the hell out of that. Cool to finally see him healthy. He was pleased to learn that the Lowell Spinners are returning this summer.
-Matt Thaiss gives off very strong Reese McGuire vibes. Take that to mean whatever you want.
-Nick Sogard approves of my plan I'm come up with to have him put on a pair of glasses, say he's his cousin Eric, and play for the Czech Republic in the next World Baseball Classic. He also disagreed with the assertion that the U.S. team didn’t care enough, instead characterizing their understated restraint as more of a cultural difference between them and some of the more emotionally expressive countries.
-A lot of the players were excited about the Classic. Mikey Romero expressed an interest in playing for Mexico in the next one. His sister represented them in the 2020 Olympics for softball. He actually has two sisters that are professional softball players. This was the first time I’d spoken to Romero. Charismatic kid. I asked him if he’d intentionally done anything to add power to his game over contact since joining the organization. He attributed it to the way his body has developed since being drafted, even mentioning that he sees himself as a contact hitter who happens to have some power.
-Nate Eaton really seemed to take to the WBC. His mother is actually a native of England and spent a decent part of her childhood there. He struck me as very intense in our few encounters last year. Much more self-assured and calm this time around. Seems poised for a big season, just needs the opportunity.
-The first base experiment is officially over for Kristian Campbell. He’s still taking grounders in the infield, but not at first. Very thoughtful, earnest kid with a good head on his shoulders. Still figuring out who he is, and I suspect this is why they are committing him to one position rather than bouncing him around from spot to spot like last year.
-Jacob Webb has been with the organization for a while, yet this was the first time I’ve spoken to him. Interesting kid. If you drew a picture of a closer, it would look something like him. Big, strong kid. My biggest takeaway was that he really understands what kind of pitcher he is and what that requires for him to make it to the next level.
-Mickey Gasper hyped up Wyatt Olds (who I did not talk to) quite a bit as someone he’s excited to see pitch this year. He’s not the first player I’ve heard say that. Over the years, Olds has come up as the guy with the nastiest stuff whenever I’ve asked minor leaguers which of their teammates to keep an eye on.
-I was given the heads-up that Jake Bennett isn’t much of a talker right after he was acquired from the Nationals. This was true. Perfectly pleasant, just a man of few words.
-Payton Tolle had the biggest audience and was the last player I spoke to, simply because he was never not talking to someone else. I got in a couple of quick questions about the off-speed pitches he’s been working on. He mentioned the changeup and cutter being in a good place. It’s hard to emphasize just how likable that kid is.