The Boston Red Sox shook up the 2025 MLB Draft by picking right-handed pitcher Kyson Witherspoon at No. 15 overall. Coming off a standout collegiate run at Oklahoma, Witherspoon drew plenty of buzz as one of the best arms available—some experts even had him going in the top 10.
Boston didn’t just land a potential future ace; they also signed him for just under slot value, handing out a $5 million bonus. It’s no wonder Red Sox Nation is fired up about this pick.
Who is Kyson Witherspoon?
Kyson Witherspoon isn’t your average college pitcher. MLB.com’s Jim Callis called him the “best college right-handed pitcher in the draft,” and it’s not hard to see why.
His fastball regularly hits 99 mph, which grabs anyone’s attention right away. He’s not just a flamethrower, though—Witherspoon’s curveball is among the best in the class, and he mixes in a slider and cutter for good measure.
He faced top-tier competition in the SEC, which meant he got to test his stuff against some of the best college hitters around. That experience, along with his ability to dominate, makes him one of the more polished players turning pro this year.
Why Did He Fall to the 15th Pick?
Witherspoon was projected as a top-10 talent, yet he dropped to 15th. Some think teams ahead of Boston focused on other positions or were hesitant to spend big on another pitcher.
That opened the door for the Red Sox to scoop up a player many see as a steal at that spot. The front office also managed to sign him for a bit less than slot, working out a $5 million deal instead of the $5.11 million slot figure.
What Makes Witherspoon Special?
He’s not a one-trick pony. Sure, his fastball flirts with triple digits, but his curveball is just as impressive and gives him a nasty one-two punch.
Scouts rave about his slider and cutter, too, which keep hitters off balance. Having competed in the SEC, he’s already proven himself against tough competition.
Witherspoon’s advanced command and poise on the mound give him a high ceiling—and honestly, a pretty solid floor, too. That’s the kind of profile teams crave in a first-round pick.
What’s Next for Witherspoon?
Making it to the majors isn’t instant, even for first-rounders. But Witherspoon’s blend of raw talent, refined mechanics, and SEC experience could help him move up the minor league ladder faster than most.
There’s already talk about him making an impact sooner rather than later. His track record suggests he’s ready for the challenge.
Red Sox fans, who are nothing if not passionate, have a lot to look forward to. While it’ll take some patience, there’s a real shot Witherspoon could be pitching at Fenway Park before too long, showing off his electric stuff on the big stage.
What the Kyson Witherspoon Pick Means for the Future
This pick signals that the Red Sox want to build a sustainable core for the years ahead. Pitching prospects can be unpredictable, but Witherspoon seems about as close to a sure thing as you’ll find in this draft.
Boston’s decision to sign him under slot gives them some extra flexibility with their roster. For fans, there’s something special about watching a young pitcher grow into a star in a Red Sox uniform.
With Witherspoon now in the fold, it’s hard not to start imagining what’s next. Maybe, just maybe, he’ll be a key piece in the next Boston championship run.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 MLB Draft might just mark the start of Kyson Witherspoon’s story. The Boston Red Sox have already made sure it’s an exciting opening chapter.
Witherspoon throws a blazing fastball. He’s also got advanced off-speed pitches and a resume that’s honestly pretty polished for his age.
The Red Sox grabbed him with the 15th pick. They signed him under slot value, which could turn out to be a pretty big deal for the team.
Right now, fans just have to wait and wonder. Could he become a future ace, lighting up Fenway Park someday?
Here is the source article for this story: Red Sox sign star righty with 99 MPH fastball to $5 million contract
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