Dodgers: 2016 Draft – One Year Later

4th Round — Mitch White — P

For those reading that enjoy minor league analysis, especially for the Dodgers, Mitchell White has become somewhat of a fan favorite. After having Tommy John surgery in college, he was a relative unknown in the months leading up to the draft before bursting onto the scene. He is thought of by many, at this point, to be the first player from the 2016 draft class that will reach the big leagues and I think that is a very fair prediction.

He was dominant last year and has continued to pitch well this year. The Dodgers love his strikeout rate, and he has shown incredible maturity for a player that didn’t really have a defined role in college until his draft eligible season. 2.37 minor league ERA, 79 strikeouts in 60.2 innings, and a WHIP below one. Dodger fans, it’s time to take notice.

I saw White’s last start at Rancho and seeing him live is just as impressive as his stat line. The first thing that jumps out at you is the athleticism. Tons of minor league pitchers are 6’4 but not many as fluid and confident with their actions as White. The next thing was the repeatability of his mechanics and consistent velocity. In his 5.2 innings, his mechanics never faltered, and you could tell he was just comfortable on the mound. He sat at 94 from the first batter he faced to the last and mixed in some devastating offspeed while doing it.

White is projected as a starter but doesn’t be surprised to see him in the Dodgers’ bullpen to start out his major league career. Mitchell White in Los Angeles’ bullpen in 2016 is a long shot but a possibility.