Boston Red Sox first-round pick could make MLB debut as early as 2026, according to projections.
Red Sox's First-Round Pick Could Debut as Soon as 2026 originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Boston Red Sox have to be excited about their first-round draft choice.
The Red Sox selected Kyson Witherspoon, a soon-to-be 21-year-old right-handed pitcher from the University of Oklahoma, with their 15th overall pick.
Witherspoon has put together an impressive collegiate career so far, with a 3.14 ERA, a 1.171 WHIP, and an 18-7 record over two seasons.
Geoff Pontes of Baseball America listed Witherspoon as one of 12 prospects who could reach the Majors in 2026. MLB.com also raved about his high-90s fastball, mid-to-high 80s slider, a high-80s cutter, and an improving curveball.
He has a compact delivery, and at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, he has the frame and athleticism to excel at the next level.
Boston had high hopes for new starters Walker Buehler and Lucas Giolito, who have had up-and-down campaigns. Buehler has struggled mightily, going 6-6 with a 6.12 ERA and a 5.95 FIP. Giolito, meanwhile, has shaken off the rust and improved his stat line to a 6-1 record, a 3.36 ERA, and a 3.62 FIP.
Both are north of 30, and while Giolito in particular has earned a long-term rotation gig, the front office could feel that someone like Witherspoon gives them more flexibility.
Expecting him to burst onto the scene in a year may set the bar too high. But, this is also a Red Sox team that inked Kristian Campbell to a seven-year extension just weeks into his MLB tenure and has given significant terms to other youngsters such as Ceddanne Rafaela and Brayan Bello.
Witherspoon could eventually be the next name on that list.
Related: Former Red Sox Fan Favorite Manager Reaches Incredible Career Milestone
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
