Garrett Whitlock, the promising right-hander for the Boston Red Sox, has been making waves in the world of baseball with his impressive performances on the mound. But what does the future hold for this talented player? In this article, we will analyze Whitlock’s strengths and weaknesses, examine his past performances, and consider the expectations for him as a starter for the Red Sox. Join us as we take a deep dive into Whitlock’s game and predict his potential for the upcoming season.
Introduction
The Boston Red Sox have bolstered their roster with young talent in recent years and one player that stands out is Garrett Whitlock. This right-handed pitcher has shown promise in his debut season and has the potential to become a starter for the Red Sox in the near future. In this article, we will analyze Whitlock’s performances and what to expect from him as a starter.
Background
Garrett Whitlock was drafted by the New York Yankees in 2017 but missed the entire 2019 season due to Tommy John surgery. The Red Sox grabbed him in the Rule 5 draft in 2020 and he made his Major League debut in 2021. He has been a revelation for the Red Sox bullpen with a 1.88 ERA and a 0.955 WHIP in 48 innings pitched. What makes his numbers even more impressive is his ability to get batters out both in high leverage situations and in long relief appearances.
Pitching Repertoire
Whitlock has a four-pitch repertoire which includes a fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup. All four of his pitches are above-average with his fastball averaging at 94.3 mph and his slider causing a lot of swing-and-miss opportunities. His changeup is also a plus pitch that he uses to keep hitters off balance. Whitlock’s curveball is his weakest pitch but he is still able to use it as a strikeout pitch when needed.
Projection as a Starter
Whitlock has pitched all of his innings this season in relief but the Red Sox have hinted that they see him as a potential starter. He has pitched more than three innings in relief on five different occasions this season and has shown the ability to handle a starter’s workload. With the Red Sox in need of starting pitching, it would not be surprising to see Whitlock get a chance to start games in the near future.
Potential Challenges
However, there are some potential challenges that Whitlock will face if given the opportunity to start. One challenge will be his lack of experience as a starter in the Major Leagues. While he has pitched as a starter in the minor leagues, the competition and workload are different in the Majors. Another challenge may be his pitch count. He has exceeded 60 pitches only once this season, which may be a concern if he were to pitch in a starting role.
Conclusion
Garrett Whitlock’s performances this season have given the Red Sox hope that he can be a contributor in a starting role. His four-pitch repertoire and ability to get batters out in high-leverage situations make him a strong candidate for a starter’s role. While there may be some challenges, the Red Sox will likely give him the opportunity to prove himself as a starter in the near future. With his talent and potential, there is little doubt that the Red Sox will continue to rely on Whitlock to pitch in critical moments both in relief and as a starter.
