Just a week after losing Ky Bush for the season to Tommy John surgery, another White Sox pitching prospect has succumbed to the injury bug. Blake Larson reportedly had Tommy John surgery two weeks ago and will also be out for the 2025 season, per James Fox of FutureSox.
Larson's Prospect Pedigree
A 19-year-old left-handed pitcher, the White Sox selected Larson out of high school in the second round of the 2024 draft with the pick they acquired in last year’s Gregory Santos trade. Larson passed up on his TCU commitment by signing an over-slot deal with the White Sox.
While he did not pitch professionally following the draft, the 6’2” 180-pound left hander has immense upside. Larson’s fastball, slider, and changeup repertoire dominated high school competition and skyrocketed him up draft boards. His fastball was already touching 96 MPH, and his slider featured a ton of spin. Larson is far from a finished product, yet concluded the season as #22 prospect in the White Sox organization per MLB.com. He has even drawn comparisons to Rays ace Shane McClanahan by scouts.
Blake Larson #68 to the White Sox! pic.twitter.com/tJML6vEmfb
— Prospect Dugout (@prospectdugout) July 15, 2024
Blake Larson (24 @IMGABaseball) dominant early and getting a ton of whiffs. Sitting 93-95 T96 with loads of life; hammer SL (clip) in low-80s w/ near 3K spin. Flashed CH @ 86. #FrogsUp commit. #PGHS @IowaPG pic.twitter.com/IjqV6gebcR
— Perfect Game Florida (@Florida_PG) February 16, 2024
Subsequent Injury Issues
James Fegan of SoxMachine noted that Larson was seen in an elbow brace the other day. Sure enough, news came out just a day later that he did have Tommy John surgery. Larson will now be out for the entire 2025 season, a tough blow for a promising pitching prospect at the beginning of his minor league development.
Silver Lining
Thankfully, there is a silver lining in this situation. Because he was drafted out of high school, Larson just turned 19 a few days ago. The clock on his career is not ticking by any means. He should have ample opportunities to prove himself when he returns.
Name To Watch
Blake Larson lacks the name recognition and prospect pedigree of other pitching prospects in the White Sox farm system and was never going to be a factor in the short-term with the White Sox big league team. Still, he will be a prospect to keep an eye on moving forward even with Tommy John surgery temporarily derailing his development.
