Who is the Top Left-Handed Pitching Prospect in Baseball?

Final Thoughts

Schultz's performance in the minors this year strongly suggests he has the potential to be a top-tier starting pitcher. He recently earned the No. 32 spot in Just Baseball’s latest top 100 rankings, making him the highest-ranked left-handed pitcher.

Should his health remain stable, Schultz is on track to join the White Sox as early as 2025. Currently, he is restricted to about four innings or 75 pitches per appearance. Increasing his workload to roughly 100 innings this year would position him well for a full season and a possible major league debut next year.

However, if health issues do arise, Schultz could transition effectively into a relief role and excel there. While not the preferred path for him or the White Sox, it underscores Schultz's potential to make a significant impact in the majors in some role.

The White Sox must be pleased with their late first-round pick from two years ago, as Schultz is shaping up to be a potential ace for the team on the South Side of Chicago.

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The Background

Schultz hails from Oswego, Illinois, located just outside Chicago. He was a student at Oswego East High School but only pitched four innings during his senior year due to mononucleosis. Post-graduation, he compensated for his lost time by participating in the Prospect League during the summer of 2022.

In nine starts for the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp, Schultz excelled, achieving a stellar 0.93 ERA. Over 19 1/3 innings, he struck out 37 batters and allowed a mere eight hits, solidifying his reputation as a leading prospect.

Before the draft, Schultz had committed to Vanderbilt, a premier college baseball program. Nevertheless, the White Sox selected him 26th overall and persuaded him to forgo college with a $2.8 million signing bonus. Schultz did not play any official games the year he was drafted due to an early injury. He made his pro debut with the Single-A Kannapolis Cannon Ballers in June 2023, starting 10 games and recording a 1.33 ERA and a 36.5% strikeout rate.

For 2024, Schultz began at High-A, making seven starts before advancing to Double-A. In 13 total starts this season, he boasts a 1.95 FIP, a 36.2% strikeout rate, and a 5.0% walk rate.

Pitch Mix

Schultz's arsenal primarily features a two-seam fastball (43%), a slider (30%), a changeup (8%), and a cutter (5%).

His standout offering is the slider, regarded as one of the finest in the minors. It boasts a 73% strike rate, the highest among his pitches, and holds opposing hitters to a .356 OPS.

This pitch resembles a sweeper more than the sharper sliders common today, averaging 82.7 mph with a significant 13.1 inches of horizontal break. At 6-foot-9, Schultz's lower release point enhances the slider's elusiveness and benefits his fastball too. His fastball, an effective weapon in its own right, typically ranges from 94-96 mph, peaking at 98 mph, and displays notable arm-side run of 17.6 inches.

While the two-seam fastball isn't primarily a strikeout pitch, Schultz employs it successfully in early counts, inducing a 52% ground ball rate. It is his most used pitch, but he relies on it less in two-strike situations, opting for his secondary pitches to finish off hitters.

Schultz's changeup and cutter, though less frequently used, offer varied approaches in his pitching strategy. His changeup is particularly effective as a two-strike option against right-handed batters, while he remains confident in deploying his formidable slider in those scenarios.

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Early Look

Given Schultz's stature and youth, his impressive command as a professional is remarkable. His 5% walk rate this year is particularly promising, suggesting that control might not be an issue for the towering left-hander.

Pitchers of Schultz's height and age typically carry a higher risk of being relegated to the bullpen and experiencing health issues. As he approaches his 21st birthday in August, Schultz has effectively reduced concerns about his suitability for a starter role. Nevertheless, his health remains an area for vigilance.

Since turning professional, Schultz has bulked up, though he encountered two injuries in 2023 that limited his playing time. A forearm strain delayed the start of his season, and a shoulder issue led to an early shutdown in August.

In 2024, Schultz has maintained his health across 50 innings and has delivered outstanding performances. His arsenal and 67% overall strike rate are positive indicators of his potential as a front-line starter. However, to achieve this, the White Sox must carefully monitor his health and endurance.

Final Thoughts

Schultz's performance in the minors this year strongly suggests he has the potential to be a top-tier starting pitcher. He recently earned the No. 32 spot in Just Baseball’s latest top 100 rankings, making him the highest-ranked left-handed pitcher.

Should his health remain stable, Schultz is on track to join the White Sox as early as 2025. Currently, he is restricted to about four innings or 75 pitches per appearance. Increasing his workload to roughly 100 innings this year would position him well for a full season and a possible major league debut next year.

However, if health issues do arise, Schultz could transition effectively into a relief role and excel there. While not the preferred path for him or the White Sox, it underscores Schultz's potential to make a significant impact in the majors in some role.

The White Sox must be pleased with their late first-round pick from two years ago, as Schultz is shaping up to be a potential ace for the team on the South Side of Chicago.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.