Kyson Witherspoon, RHP, Oklahoma Dominates with Career-High Strikeouts in Conference Win
Kyson Witherspoon has emerged as one of the most intriguing arms in college baseball this season for the Oklahoma Sooners. The 6-foot-2, 207-pound junior right-hander brings a power arsenal to the mound, featuring a fastball that touches 94-96 mph and a plus slider that has scouts taking notice. Scouts have positioned him as a potential early-round selection in the upcoming MLB Draft, thanks to his combination of size, stuff, and projection.
Born in Kansas City but hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, Witherspoon has made steady improvements during his time in Norman. The 20-year-old hurler (born August 12, 2004) has refined his three-pitch mix and shown the ability to maintain his velocity deep into starts. His delivery has a distinctive slingy quality that creates deception for hitters, though his control remains a work in progress according to evaluators.
| Player Profile: Kyson Witherspoon | |
|---|---|
| Position | Right-Handed Pitcher |
| Class | Junior |
| Height/Weight | 6-2 / 207 lbs |
| Bats/Throws | R/R |
| Hometown | Jacksonville, FL |
| MLB Draft Grade | Overall: 50 |
Contents
Early Life and Education
Kyson Witherspoon’s path to becoming one of Oklahoma’s premier pitching prospects was marked by formative experiences that shaped his development. His journey from high school to college baseball demonstrates a steady progression of talent and determination.
High School Career at Stillwater HS
Kyson Witherspoon initially began his high school baseball career at Stillwater High School before transferring to Corona High School. During his time at Stillwater, he showed early signs of the pitching prowess that would later define him as a prospect.
The right-hander’s velocity developed impressively throughout his high school years. His fastball, which started in the upper 80s, eventually touched the low 90s by his senior year. What stood out to scouts wasn’t just his raw power but his advanced feel for secondary pitches at a young age.
| Witherspoon HS Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Bats/Throws | R/R |
| Height/Weight | 6’2″/207 lbs |
| Position | RHP |
| Fastball Range | Upper 80s to low 90s |
College Decision and Commitment
After weighing various scholarship offers, Witherspoon made the decision to begin his college career at Northwest Florida State junior college. This choice allowed him to develop further before making the jump to a major program.
After a single productive season at Northwest Florida State, Witherspoon transferred to the University of Oklahoma. The move to Oklahoma represented a significant step up in competition and exposure for the talented pitcher.
Witherspoon comes from a baseball family, notably having a twin brother named Malachi who is also a pitcher. This family connection has fueled a healthy competitive spirit throughout his development years.
MLB scouts have already begun tracking Witherspoon for the 2025 draft, where his combination of size, velocity, and continued development could make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking for collegiate pitching talent.
College Career at the University of Oklahoma
Kyson Witherspoon has become a cornerstone of the Sooners’ pitching staff since joining Oklahoma, developing into one of the most dominant right-handed pitchers in college baseball with his impressive velocity and command.
Freshman Year Highlights
Witherspoon arrived at Oklahoma after an impressive stint at Northwest Florida State. The 6’2″, 207-pound right-handed pitcher made an immediate impact in Norman.
His freshman campaign with the Sooners showcased his electric arm talent. Witherspoon quickly earned a spot in the weekend rotation, impressing coaches with his ability to maintain velocity deep into games.
At L. Dale Mitchell Park, he became a fan favorite for his competitive demeanor and ability to rack up strikeouts. His fastball, which routinely sat 95-97 mph, proved overwhelming for opponents.
Witherspoon’s Freshman Statistics:
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Record | 8-3 |
| ERA | 3.71 |
| Innings | 80.0 |
| Starts | 11 |
| Appearances | 17 |
| Bats/Throws | R/R |
Midseason Recognition and Awards
By midseason of his Oklahoma career, Witherspoon had generated significant buzz in college baseball circles. His dominance earned him a spot on the prestigious Golden Spikes Award Midseason Watch List.
The Florida native’s electric performances caught the attention of MLB scouts. His ability to hold 95-97 mph velocity (touching 98) throughout starts, combined with impressive movement, has elevated his draft stock considerably.
Professional evaluators have been particularly impressed with the “ridiculous cut/ride shape” on his fastball. This pitch movement, uncommon at the collegiate level, has become his calling card.
Several mock drafts now project Witherspoon as a potential first-round selection should he declare, with his power arsenal translating well to professional baseball.
Performance in Key Games
When the lights shine brightest, Witherspoon has proven himself a true competitor. Against SEC competition, he has shown the ability to elevate his game, cementing his reputation as Oklahoma’s ace.
One of his most memorable performances came against Mississippi State, where he dominated throughout his start. This outing showcased why he’s considered among the conference’s elite arms.
His ability to maintain velocity and command in high-pressure situations makes him particularly valuable in tournament play. Coach Skip Johnson has repeatedly trusted Witherspoon in the team’s most critical matchups.
As the Sooners transitioned to SEC play, Witherspoon has become even more crucial to the team’s success. His development from promising freshman to staff leader has been remarkable to witness.
Pitching Style and Statistics
Kyson Witherspoon has established himself as one of the most formidable arms in college baseball with a mix of power pitching and developing control. His impressive 2025 campaign with the Sooners demonstrates why MLB scouts have him on their radar for the upcoming draft.
Technical Skills and Fastball
The 6’2″, 206-pound right-hander brings true power to the mound with a fastball that consistently sits in the mid-90s and tops out at 99 mph. What makes Witherspoon particularly intriguing is that his heater isn’t just about velocity—it’s a pitch he can manipulate when needed, though scouts note it has modest life rather than exceptional movement.
Witherspoon complements his fastball with a mid-80s breaking ball that generates swing-and-miss potential. His three-pitch mix has developed nicely during his time at Oklahoma, with reports indicating he has good feel for all three offerings.
Player Profile:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Height/Weight | 6’2″, 206 lbs |
| Bats/Throws | Right/Right |
| Born | August 12, 2004 (Kansas City, MO) |
Game Strategy and Control
Witherspoon’s approach on the mound has translated to excellent production for the Sooners. He led Oklahoma with a 3.71 ERA across 80.0 innings pitched during his showcase season, making 11 starts among his 17 appearances.
His 8-3 record underscores his ability to keep his team in games. Even more impressive is his strikeout-to-walk ratio, with 90 punchouts against 40 walks—better than a 2:1 ratio that demonstrates developing command of his power arsenal.
Witherspoon has shown versatility in his role, recording one save and contributing to a combined shutout. This adaptability will serve him well as MLB organizations evaluate his potential as either a starter or high-leverage reliever at the next level.
Notable Games and Performances
Kyson Witherspoon has established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in college baseball, particularly within the competitive SEC. His performances have been turning heads and boosting his MLB draft stock significantly.
Matchup Against SEC Teams
Witherspoon’s excellence against SEC competition has been the cornerstone of his rising prominence. In a recent showdown against Vanderbilt, the junior right-hander delivered a complete game shutout, allowing just two hits in a dominant 14-0 victory. The Commodores barely got runners on base against his electric stuff.
Against other SEC powerhouses like LSU, Alabama, and Georgia, Witherspoon has maintained his composure and effectiveness. His performance earned him SEC Co-Pitcher of the Week honors for the second time this season, cementing his status as one of the conference’s elite arms.
Witherspoon’s 2025 SEC Stats:
| Opponent | IP | H | R | ER | BB | K | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt | 7.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | W, 14-0 |
| Alabama | 6.2 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 8 | W, 5-2 |
| Georgia | 7.0 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 11 | W, 6-1 |
Rivalry Games
In high-pressure rivalry matchups, Witherspoon has shown remarkable poise. Against Oklahoma State, he delivered a clutch performance in the Bedlam Series. He struck out 10 Cowboys over 7 innings while allowing just one earned run.
The right-hander has also excelled in non-conference challenges. Against Louisville, he fanned 8 batters in 6 innings. Versus Kansas State, he pitched into the 8th inning while surrendering just two hits.
MLB scouts have taken notice of Witherspoon’s 2.08 ERA—best in the SEC—and his 74 strikeouts, which ranks third in the conference. The 6’3″ righty boasts a fastball that touches 97 mph and a devastating slider.
Witherspoon is projected as a potential second-round pick in the upcoming MLB draft. His stock is rising after each dominant performance against top competition.
Scouting Reports and MLB Draft Prospect
Kyson Witherspoon has emerged as a significant pitching talent in the 2025 MLB Draft class. He’s drawing attention from scouts with his powerful arsenal and projectable frame. His evaluation across major scouting services highlights both his current abilities and future potential at the professional level.
Expert Evaluations
Witherspoon boasts impressive measurables at 6’1″ and 175 pounds with room to add muscle. His fastball grades at 60, showing excellent velocity. The right-hander pairs this with an equally potent slider also graded at 60, giving him two plus pitches.
His control remains a work in progress, currently sitting at a 45 grade. The Oklahoma hurler has been on a pitch count of around 90 per outing this season, but has shown durability within those constraints.
| Pitch Type | Grade (20-80 scale) |
|---|---|
| Fastball | 60 |
| Slider | 60 |
| Changeup | 45 |
| Control | 45 |
| Overall | 50 |
Rankings in MLB Pipeline
Witherspoon has solidified his status as a premium talent in this draft class, appearing consistently in first-round projections. MLB Pipeline evaluators have been tracking the Witherspoon twins closely throughout their development. Kyson distinguishes himself with his electric arm.
His overall grade of 50 indicates MLB Pipeline sees him as a potential mid-rotation starter with room to grow. Baseball America’s rankings align closely with this assessment, placing him firmly in their top 50 draft prospects.
The Oklahoma standout continues to impress in high-leverage situations, which has helped his draft stock climb since the college season began. With strong performances down the stretch, he could potentially elevate into the top 15-20 selections come draft day.
Professional Outlook
Kyson Witherspoon has positioned himself as a legitimate MLB prospect with his impressive performances at Oklahoma. His development as a starter and recent success in SEC play have caught the attention of scouts across the country.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Witherspoon’s greatest asset is his command on the mound. The right-handed pitcher shows excellent control, particularly with his fastball that sits in the low-90s with good movement. His ability to work deep into games, as evidenced by his recent complete-game shutout against Vanderbilt, demonstrates both stamina and mental toughness.
His secondary pitches have improved significantly during his time with the Sooners. The slider has become a legitimate out pitch.
The areas needing refinement include his changeup, which remains a work in progress. At times, his velocity can dip in later innings, causing concern for scouts about his long-term durability at the professional level.
| Stat Category | 2025 Season |
|---|---|
| Record | 8-3 |
| ERA | 3.71 |
| Innings | 80 |
| Strikeouts | 90 |
| Throws | Right |
Potential MLB Teams and Fit
Several MLB organizations have shown interest in Witherspoon ahead of the draft. Teams like the Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays, known for developing pitching talent, appear to be natural fits due to their emphasis on command-first starters who don’t necessarily overpower hitters.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have also scouted him heavily, viewing him as a potential middle-rotation arm who could move quickly through their minor league system. With his SEC experience facing elite college hitters, Witherspoon offers a more polished profile than many prep arms.
MLB Pipeline currently ranks him in the 75-100 range for the upcoming draft. His stock has risen considerably following his dominant performance against Vanderbilt, where he showed the ability to shut down one of college baseball’s premier programs.
Comparisons and Endorsements
As Kyson Witherspoon continues to dominate on the mound for Oklahoma, industry experts are taking notice of his potential at the next level. His impressive arsenal and command have drawn comparisons to established MLB talent, while coaches and teammates consistently praise his work ethic and competitive drive.
Comparison to Current MLB Pitchers
Witherspoon’s electric fastball that sits 95-97 mph and touches 98 with exceptional ride has scouts comparing him to current big league power arms. His ability to maintain velocity deep into games while featuring a devastating breaking ball brings to mind pitchers like Spencer Strider and Hunter Greene.
What separates Witherspoon is his remarkable 6.73 strikeout-to-walk ratio, which leads the SEC conference. This control profile compares favorably to LSU’s Kade Anderson, though Witherspoon showcases more raw power.
Many evaluators see similarities to his brother, Malachi Witherspoon, though Kyson has outperformed his sibling at the same stage of their collegiate careers.
| Stat Category | Kyson Witherspoon | SEC Rank | NCAA Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strikeouts | 74 | 3rd | 9th |
| K/BB Ratio | 6.73 | 1st | – |
| Fastball Velo | 95-97 (T98) | – | – |
Endorsements from Coaches and Players
Oklahoma’s coaching staff consistently praises Witherspoon’s maturity and preparation. “He’s not just talented, he’s meticulous in his approach,” said one assistant coach who noted Kyson’s detailed pre-game routine.
Texas A&M’s Ryan Prager, after facing Witherspoon in conference play, called him “one of the most composed pitchers in college baseball.” This endorsement carries weight coming from a fellow draft prospect.
The online baseball community has taken notice too, with video clips of his performances going viral. One recent tweet highlighted his “electric” stuff, noting that “nobody could touch him upstairs” with his high-velocity fastball.
MLB scouts attending recent starts have been equally impressed, with one veteran evaluator placing Witherspoon firmly in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft. His stock continues to rise with each dominant performance.
Personal Life and Interests
Kyson Jacob Witherspoon was born on August 12, 2004, and has a twin brother who shares his passion for baseball. The Jacksonville, Florida native has maintained a relatively private personal life despite his rising prominence on the diamond.
When he’s not firing 99 mph fastballs past helpless hitters, Witherspoon apparently enjoys books, movies, and travel. He currently lives in Broken Arrow, which suggests he’s embraced his time in Oklahoma.
Witherspoon has developed a solid rapport with teammates, including power-hitting outfielder Nolan Schubart. Their connection has proven valuable both on and off the field, with Schubart’s home runs and RBIs often supporting Witherspoon’s strong pitching performances.
Contribution to Team Success
Witherspoon’s dominance has been the cornerstone of Oklahoma’s pitching strategy. His ability to consistently work deep into games preserves the bullpen for the remainder of each weekend series.
| Witherspoon’s Impact | 2024 Season | 2025 Season (current) |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Games | 3 | 4 |
| Team W-L in his starts | 11-4 | 9-1 |
| Team ERA | 4.21 | 3.45 |
MLB scouts project Witherspoon as a potential top-10 pick in the upcoming draft, but he remains focused on team goals. His consistency has allowed Oklahoma to climb to No. 19 in national rankings and position themselves as serious conference title contenders.
The coaching staff credits Witherspoon’s preparation routine as setting a new standard for the entire pitching staff. Several younger arms have adopted similar approaches.
