Kyson Witherspoon: Boston Red Sox’s Promising First-Round Pick

The Boston Red Sox just picked up a seriously intriguing prospect with their latest first-round draft choice: Kyson Witherspoon. Once, he was mostly known as Malachi’s twin brother, but Kyson’s leap from obscurity to the MLB spotlight feels almost cinematic.

This blog takes a closer look at how Witherspoon got here, his breakout college years, and why he’s such a compelling addition to the Red Sox. From watching the MLB Draft Combine as a nobody to dominating as a college ace, Kyson’s grit and steady rise have turned heads in the baseball world.

From Spectator to Star: Kyson Witherspoon’s Inspirational Backstory

Kyson’s baseball journey started in a pretty humble way. He was just a fan at the 2022 MLB Draft Combine, cheering for his brother Malachi.

Malachi got drafted in the 12th round but decided to go to college. Kyson, on the other hand, didn’t get drafted at all, which must’ve stung. But instead of quitting, he doubled down and joined Malachi at Northwest Florida State College.

That move turned out to be the right call. The twins eventually transferred to the University of Oklahoma.

It was there that Kyson really found his groove. As a junior, he suddenly looked like one of the top pitching talents in the country.

Dominance at Oklahoma: A Look at Kyson’s Stats

In 2023, Witherspoon showed everyone why he belonged in the first round. Over 95 innings, he put up a sharp 2.65 ERA and piled up 124 strikeouts with only 23 walks.

He cranked up his velocity, hitting 99 mph at times. His control just kept getting better, too.

There was a big moment when Witherspoon faced LSU ace Kade Anderson, who eventually went third overall in the draft. Kyson’s performance in that high-pressure matchup got national buzz and really put him on the map.

What Makes Witherspoon’s Pitching Arsenal So Special?

Kyson’s pitching mix is honestly pretty wild. He’s got:

• A four-seam fastball that can touch the upper 90s
• A sneaky two-seamer that gets grounders
• Two breaking balls that mess with hitters’ timing
• A changeup with late movement that’s tough to read

He can throw any of these pitches in any count, which makes him a nightmare to face. There’s still a bit of shortstop in his delivery—he moves with that kind of athleticism and smooth mechanics.

Lately, he’s tightened up his motion even more, and it’s paying off with better command and efficiency.

The Influences Behind His Ascent

Kyson points to a few key people who shaped him. Oklahoma coach Skip Johnson really helped him sharpen his skills.

His mom, Meg, taught him to work hard and stay determined, values you can see in how he plays. He looks up to pitchers like Jacob deGrom and some top relievers, and you can spot that aggressive, calculated approach in his own style.

What’s Next for Kyson Witherspoon?

Kyson Witherspoon is starting his professional baseball career with the Boston Red Sox. His potential and drive really stand out right now.

He wants to make his own name, even though his twin brother, Malachi, looks set for a top-10-round pick in next year’s draft. Watching them both push forward says a lot about perseverance and the support that comes from family.

Red Sox fans have something new to look forward to with Witherspoon in the mix. His electric pitches and strong work ethic could shake things up for Boston’s pitching rotation.

Honestly, it’s hard not to feel a bit excited about what’s next for him. He’s just getting started, and who knows how far he’ll go?

 
Here is the source article for this story: Boston Red Sox first-round pick Kyson Witherspoon ready to chart his own path in pro ball