Born: August 25, 1991
Chipley, FL
Height: 6-4
Weight: 220
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Drafted: 11th round, 2014 ; 37th round, 2013 by Washington ; 1st round, 2010 by San Diego
How Acquired: Draft
College: Florida
High School: Chipley HS (FL)

Photo © Dave Letizi

SoxProspects.com Links
Scouting Scratch: Fall Instructs Part One (10.8.14)
Karsten Whitson close to his old self in Red Sox.. (3.26.15)
2015 Top 40 Season in Review

Released (March 2016)

Physical Description: Strong pitcher’s build. Solid, proportioned frame. Well-developed lower half.  

Mechanics: Throws over the top with a high leg kick. Live arm. Controlled, rhythmic delivery. Arm action is a little long behind, and he lands with a stiff front side. Starts on the third-base side of the rubber and falls off to the first-base side. Pitches downhill when he is right.  

Fastball: 88-94 mph. Has topped out at 96 mph in pro ball, but showed more velocity during the 2014 college season, topping out at 97 mph during the SEC tournament. Pitch has plus life and has shown arm-side run. During the 2014 season with Lowell, sat 88-91, topping out at 93 mph, but in the Fall Instructional League velocity ticked up to above-reference levels after he got healthier. Below-average command and control. Potential plus offering when he has the pitch going right for him.  

Slider: 81-86 mph. Better in the upper velocity range. Tilt and depth through the zone. Pitch is loose and he slows his arm in the lower velocity range. Needs to improve consistency, but has feel for the pitch. Has shown wipeout potential in the past. Potential plus offering.  

Changeup: 81-85 mph. Shows fade and drop in the 82-84 mph range. On the firm side at 85 mph. Needs work improving consistency, but could develop into an average third offering.  

Career Notes: Turned down a $2.1 million bonus offer from the Padres as the ninth pick in the 2010 draft. Had a stellar freshman season at Florida before injuries derailed the rest of his college career. Injury that caused him to miss 2013 was reported to be a shoulder impingement.  

Summation: If he is healthy, Whitson has middle-of-the-rotation potential. Fastball and slider are both potential plus offerings, and the changeup could be workable as his third pitch. Health is a real question mark, however, as he has been plagued by arm and shoulder issues for several years now. Could be better suited to a bullpen role to minimize injury risk. High-risk, high-reward type of player.