In a resounding testament to the strength of the University of Oklahoma’s baseball program under head coach Skip Johnson, the Sooners’ entire 2025 weekend starting rotation was selected in the early rounds of the 2025 MLB Draft, held on July 13 in Atlanta. The trio of Kyson Witherspoon (1st Round, 15th overall, Boston Red Sox), Malachi Witherspoon (2nd Round, 62nd overall, Detroit Tigers), and Cade Crossland (4th Round, 120th overall, St. Louis Cardinals) showcased the depth and talent of OU’s pitching staff, marking a significant milestone for the program. This achievement underscores the Sooners’ reputation for developing elite pitching prospects and solidifies Johnson’s legacy in Norman.
Kyson Witherspoon: The Ace Leading the Charge
Kyson Witherspoon, a right-handed pitcher from Jacksonville, Florida, emerged as the crown jewel of OU’s 2025 rotation. Selected 15th overall by the Boston Red Sox, Witherspoon became the fourth OU player in the last eight drafts to be picked in the first round. His 2025 season was spectacular, posting a 10-4 record with a 2.65 ERA across 16 starts, ranking second in the SEC. His 124 strikeouts placed him sixth nationally and fifth in the SEC, while his 5.39 strikeout-to-walk ratio led the conference.
With a fastball sitting at 96-98 mph and touching 99, paired with a five-pitch mix including a curveball, slider, cutter, and changeup, Witherspoon’s versatility and electric arm made him a consensus First-Team All-American. His athleticism, compact arm action, and relentless work ethic propelled him to the top. Witherspoon’s journey to the first round was not without challenges. Initially a shortstop in high school, he went undrafted in 2022 while his twin brother, Malachi, was selected in the 12th round by the Arizona Diamondbacks. This fueled Kyson’s drive, and after transferring from Northwest Florida State College to OU, he transformed into one of college baseball’s most dominant arms.
Malachi Witherspoon: The Twin Following Close Behind
Just 14 minutes younger than Kyson, Malachi Witherspoon carved his own path to the pros, selected 62nd overall in the second round by the Detroit Tigers. The right-hander posted a 4-8 record with a 5.09 ERA in 15 starts during the 2025 season. While his numbers didn’t match Kyson’s dominance, Malachi’s 91 strikeouts and a standout performance in the NCAA Chapel Hill Regional—six scoreless innings with nine strikeouts against Nebraska—highlighted his potential.Malachi’s arsenal, featuring a mid-to-upper 90s fastball and a devastating slider/curveball combination, profiles him as a potential high-leverage reliever in the majors, though his time as a starter at OU showcased his versatility. His selection in the second round exceeded expectations for a pitcher projected to go in the third-to-fifth rounds.The Witherspoon twins, inseparable throughout their careers, played together at Fletcher High School, Northwest Florida State, the Cape Cod League, and OU.
Their competitive dynamic pushed each other to new heights, with Kyson calling Malachi his “harshest critic” and “second coach.” Their selection in the same draft marks a rare feat, as they could become just the 11th set of twins to play in MLB history.
Cade Crossland: The Lefty Rounding Out the Trio
Completing the Sooners’ weekend rotation, left-handed pitcher Cade Crossland was selected in the fourth round (120th overall) by the St. Louis Cardinals. Crossland’s draft stock rose due to his steady performance and potential as a crafty southpaw. His inclusion in OU’s weekend rotation alongside the Witherspoon twins speaks to his reliability and skill.Crossland’s selection in the top 250 prospects reflects his development under Johnson’s guidance. His ability to compete in the SEC, one of the toughest conferences in college baseball, caught the attention of scouts, and his left-handed pitching adds a valuable dimension to the Cardinals’ system. The trio’s success in the draft ties OU’s program record for the most picks in the first three rounds.
Skip Johnson’s Development MachineHead coach Skip Johnson deserves immense credit for molding this trio into MLB-caliber talents. “It’s super exciting for our program,” Johnson said after the draft’s first day. “It shows the development piece of our program. We’re going to miss all three of them, but that’s what we do at OU—you get these guys prepared for Major League Baseball.”
Johnson’s track record speaks for itself. Since taking over in 2017, he has produced four first-round picks, with Kyson Witherspoon joining the ranks of OU greats. The Witherspoons’ time with the USA Collegiate National Team in 2024 was a turning point, with Johnson noting their growth after competing with the nation’s best. Crossland’s development as a reliable starter further underscores OU’s ability to nurture diverse pitching talents.
A Bright Future for OU and Its Draftees
The 2025 MLB Draft was a banner moment for Oklahoma baseball, with Kyson, Malachi, and Crossland joining junior catcher Easton Carmichael (3rd Round, 82nd overall, Pittsburgh Pirates) as Day One selections. This success not only highlights the strength of OU’s 2025 roster but also sets the stage for future recruits to see Norman as a pipeline to the pros.
