Joe Whitman LHP. DOB: 9/17/2001. 6' 5", 200 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2026.
2025(AA): 5-11, 5.29, 117.1 IP, 9.51 K/9, 3.61 BB/9, 1.23 GB/FB.
Drafted in round 2C in 2023 out of Kent State. Whitman has a classic 3-pitch starters mix, but may not have that dominant put away pitch he can use to get out of trouble. FB goes 93-95 MPH. Some of his disappointing ERA last season may be due to bad BAPIP luck as his was .364. His FIP was 3.61. He might start 2026 season back in AA Richmond and see if he can pitch in better luck.
Dr B: given the hard truths of baseball pitching, why draft any pitcher that maxes out at 94-95? can they teach velocity at the post HS level? were they faster but lost
ReplyDeletemph after the draft. just curious. seems like there's no place for these pitchers unless they have an uber world class pitch. or 2. thanks for listening. -es
First of all, I know it seems like every pitcher in MLB rolls out of bed throwing hundos but those are still the minority. 94-95 is plenty of velocity if they have secondary pitches and command to go with it. Secondly, there are numerous examples of pitchers gaining velocity as they mature or learn new techniques.
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