The Detroit Tigers have been making waves with their knack for uncovering hidden gems among college pitchers. While Jackson Jobe remains a standout, the Tigers have struck gold with arms like Troy Melton, Jake Miller, Andrew Sears, Lucas Elissalt, and Jaden Hamm.
Although these talents haven't yet made a splash in the majors, there's excitement brewing, especially with the selection of Oklahoma right-hander Malachi Witherspoon in the second round last summer. Witherspoon's pro debut this spring is highly anticipated.
Malachi Witherspoon, alongside his twin brother Kyson, made a name for themselves as promising prep pitchers before leading Oklahoma's rotation in their junior year. While Kyson had the edge in success, Malachi's raw talent is undeniable.
Despite a challenging junior season marked by control issues, the Tigers saw potential in his electric arm and selected him with the 62nd overall pick, investing $1,448,700 in his future. The question now is whether this calculated risk will pay off.
Standing at 6'3", Witherspoon boasts a fastball that regularly hits 98-100 mph, settling comfortably in the mid-90s. His four-seamer, with its cutting action, aligns with the Tigers' current preference for pitchers who can jam hitters with deceptive fastballs-a strategy exemplified by Tarik Skubal. Witherspoon's heater, particularly effective against right-handers, generates impressive whiff rates but struggles with command, a challenge he's faced since his high school days in Jacksonville, Florida.
Complementing his fastball, Witherspoon wields a formidable slider in the upper 80s, a cutter-like variant around 90 mph, and a sharp 12-6 power curveball in the lower 80s. His delivery is sound, featuring a three-quarters arm slot, though his changeup lags behind his other pitches. There’s speculation that a splitter or a seam-shifted changeup could enhance his repertoire.
Command remains the primary hurdle for Witherspoon. Despite Oklahoma's reputable pitching program, his control issues persisted.
His mechanics, while generally solid, occasionally falter in stride direction and timing. Minor adjustments, like refining his wind-up and leg kick, might improve consistency.
If Witherspoon can't harness his command, he might transition to a relief role, despite his potential as a durable starter. The upside is significant; his raw talent suggests he could become a frontline major league starter. Improved strike-throwing could elevate him to a top 100 prospect by season's end.
The Tigers seem to have a strategy to fine-tune Witherspoon's fastball accuracy and mitigate his slider inconsistencies. Should they succeed, Witherspoon could be a steal, rapidly advancing through the minors. Starting in West Michigan, he might find himself in the upper minors by year’s end, with a major league debut on the horizon for 2027.