Boston Red Sox select Oklahoma RHP Kyson Witherspoon in 2025 MLB Draft

Oklahoma right-handed pitcher Kyson Witherspoon has heard his name called during the 2025 MLB Draft. He was drafted No. 15 overall to the Boston Red Sox.

Witherspoon transferred to Oklahoma ahead of the 2024 season along with his twin bother, Malachi, who is also a pitcher. They previously played for Northwest Florida State College, on the other side of the state from their hometown in Neptune Beach.

His brother was at one time seen as the brighter prospect, as Malachi was selected in the 12th round by the Arizona Diamondbacks during the 2022 MLB Draft. Kyson has since surpassed his twin given the success he’s enjoyed on the mound since arriving in Norman.

Despite only having two seasons of experience with the Sooners — Kyson Witherspoon has made his mark on the program. He’s totaled 214 strikeouts in his two season with the program — good for 18th in program history. Moreover, he finished ranked 14th in school history with 10 wins in a single season, not to mention his 124 strikeouts finished 13th-best in a single season. It was also good for the sixth-best total in the country.

Witherspoon finished the 2025 season having led the team with 95.0 innings pitched and finished the year with a 2.65 ERA, ranking second in the SEC and 22nd nationally. He would end up being names a consensus first team All-American (Baseball America, D1Baseball, NCBWA, Perfect Game) for his efforts.

“Witherspoon has swing-and-miss stuff, starting with a mid-90s fastball that peaks at 99 mph and stands out more for its power than its modest life,” his MLB scouting report reads. “His mid-80s slider can touch 91 mph while featuring both horizontal action and depth, and he’ll turn it into an upper-80s cutter that he uses just as often.

“He’s showing more consistency with his low-80s downer curveball, giving him another plus offering. While his upper-80s changeup is a work in progress that gets too firm but will show interesting fade at times.”

The report cites his athleticism and mechanics as having translated to his game this spring at Oklahoma. He’s been able to improve control of his pitches and command on the mound as he has all the makings of a strong big league starting pitcher one day.

Both Witherspoon brothers have one year of eligibility remaining to continue playing college baseball. They have the option of returning to college, or signing their pro contract. What they ultimately decide remains to be seen. For now, Kyson is an MLB draftee.