Red Sox Draft Kyson Witherspoon, Add More Arms

The Boston Red Sox selected Oklahoma right-hander Kyson Witherspoon with the 15th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, making him their first first-round pitcher since 2017. Witherspoon, ranked as a top college right-hander by both MLB Pipeline and Baseball America, posted a 2.65 ERA and 124 strikeouts in his junior season, featuring a fastball up to 99 mph. He is recognized for his leadership and professionalism, with Oklahoma coach Skip Johnson describing him as a 'culture changer.' The Red Sox outlined a personalized development plan for Witherspoon at the MLB Draft Combine, which he found promising. Witherspoon played alongside his twin brother Malachi at Oklahoma, both advancing from junior college ranks. Additionally, the Red Sox selected three more prospects on draft day to strengthen their pitching depth.