Blake Larson 6/26/26

White Sox 2024 CB-B pick Blake Larson made his second pro appearance Friday, facing the ACL Reds at Camelback Ranch. Larson missed the entire 2025 season, going down with Tommy John last February. He only went 2/3 an inning and faced six hitters, but you could still see why the White sox made him an over-slot selection. Larson worked with a 3-pitch mix: fastball, slider, changeup. He attacked hitters east/west from a low ¾ slot which created a sinking/tailing life on his mid-90s fastball (94-95). Slider shape was inconsistent but flashed sharp, long horizontal slicing action. At times, it was shorter and cutter-y. He struggled to land his change consistently, but it showed average potential as a ground ball generator. Larson started the game on a positive note, striking out Reds 2025 1st round pick Steele Hall on four pitches. But this was an otherwise poor outing results wise; he allowed 3 hits and a walk and only recorded two outs (both via strikeout swinging). Larson was the victim of his own defense off the mound. One comebacker bounced off his glove towards shortstop Yordani Soto, who rifled it to first, but wasn’t able to get the runner. Later in the inning Larson fielded a slow roller and fired it past the first baseman into right field. Mechanically, he works from the third base side of the rubber and strides closed. It’s a short stride and likely below average extension. He lands tall with some recoil. It was harder to tell from behind home, but I think Larson’s elbow flexion at foot plant was inside 90, which should allow him to repeat his arm action consistently. He had too many non-competitive misses in this outing, which is something to keep an eye on going forward. Makeup tidbits seeped out in his outing. After striking out Steele Hall, Larson shook his head with swagger and bravado. He also cussed in frustration after allowing a single up the middle to Jirvin Morillo. I wouldn’t read too much into this other than Larson is a fiery/competitive kid, who wears his emotions on his sleeve to a degree. Overall, this was an “I get it” type look at Larson. He has some SP traits. The slider flashed plus and not a lot of lefties sit mid 90s. He’s listed at 6’2” 180 lbs but looks closer to 210 now; he possesses a well-built/durable frame that looks capable of logging SP type innings.