Giants promote second-round pick Carson Whisenhunt to High-A

The Giants drafted Whisenhunt in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft, receiving an over-slot signing bonus just north of $1.8 million to forego returning to East Carolina. Whisenhunt had been a consensus first-round prospect after the 2021 collegiate season. However, he was suspended for the 2022 season for violating the NCAA's performance-enhancing drugs policy. Whisenhunt pitched in the Cape Cod League in the weeks leading up to the draft but had less feel for his pitches than he had shown as a sophomore.

The Giants have defended Whisenhunt from criticism he's faced due to his suspension. And, since reaching pro ball, the southpaw has rewarded them for their confidence. In seven appearances last year between Rookie Ball, Single-A, and the Arizona Fall League, Whisenhunt amassed 25 strikeouts in 14 innings pitched with a 1.29 ERA and just four walks.

Whisenhunt sports a low-90s fastball and a fringe curveball that has flashed above-average potential, but his changeup is his calling card. Whisenhunt had the best changeup in last year's draft class, and it's already a viable big-league pitch. It has the potential to be a 70 or 80-grade offering.

A Winston-Salem, North Carolina native, Whisenhunt has sported more control than command so far as a professional. While his elite changeup has made hitters look silly throughout his career in college and the lower minors, it also has covered up some other areas he needs to improve.

One exceptional offering is usually more than enough to dominate the lower minors, but by the time pitchers reach Double and Triple-A, hitters tend to adjust. With that in mind, it makes sense for the SF Giants to promote Carson Whisenhunt quickly, to give him some challenges that can hopefully help him develop his command and the rest of his arsenal.