The 2025 Major League Baseball Draft marked yet another defining moment for the University of Oklahoma baseball program, one that underscored its growing reputation as a powerhouse in player development and a launchpad for professional careers. On Day One of the draft, the Sooners celebrated a historic trifecta as three players from the program were selected, with right-handed pitcher Kyson Witherspoon headlining the class as the 15th overall pick. The night was not just a reflection of individual talent, but a testament to years of development, commitment, and the sustained vision of head coach Skip Johnson and his staff.
Kyson Witherspoon’s selection in the first round was no surprise to those who had followed his rapid ascent through the college baseball ranks. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Witherspoon began his collegiate journey at Northwest Florida State College, where his raw velocity and athleticism turned heads. However, it was his time at Oklahoma that transformed him into a first-round prospect. Arriving in Norman alongside his twin brother Malachi, Kyson brought with him both a fierce competitive edge and an eagerness to learn. Under the guidance of Johnson and pitching coach Reggie Willits, he refined his mechanics, added secondary pitches to his arsenal, and developed the mound presence that would eventually lead him to be selected by the Boston Red Sox with the 15th overall pick.
Witherspoon’s junior season at Oklahoma was nothing short of dominant. He posted a 10-4 record with a 2.65 ERA over 95 innings, striking out 124 batters while walking just 23. He led the Southeastern Conference in wins, ranked among the top 25 nationally in ERA, and became a fixture at the front of Oklahoma’s rotation. His fastball regularly sat in the mid-90s and touched 99 mph, while his breaking ball emerged as a devastating out pitch. More than the raw stats, however, it was his maturity, poise, and resilience on the mound that elevated his draft stock and made him one of the most coveted arms in the nation. By the time Boston called his name, it was the culmination of a relentless work ethic and a steady rise that seemed inevitable by midseason.
The selection was not just significant for Witherspoon personally—it carried symbolic weight for the Oklahoma program. He became the 22nd first-round draft pick in program history and the fourth since 2018 under Johnson’s leadership. In recent years, Oklahoma has steadily developed a reputation for churning out professional-ready pitchers, including Cade Cavalli, Jake Irvin, and Cade Horton. Witherspoon now joins that lineage and adds to the growing prestige surrounding the Sooners’ pitching development pipeline. For Johnson, it was a moment of pride and validation, but also a reminder of the standard he’s built in Norman.
If Kyson Witherspoon’s selection was expected, the excitement only grew when his twin brother, Malachi Witherspoon, was drafted just over an hour later. Taken with the 62nd overall pick in the second round by the Detroit Tigers, Malachi completed one of the rarest feats in baseball draft history: twin brothers selected on Day One of the MLB Draft. Like Kyson, Malachi arrived at Oklahoma with immense raw talent. Though he began his college career as a reliever, Malachi transitioned to a starting role and quickly showed flashes of brilliance. His fastball, slightly below Kyson’s in velocity, still regularly reached the mid-90s, and his improving command and deceptive delivery made him a valuable asset in the Sooners’ rotation.
Over the course of the 2025 season, Malachi threw over 70 innings, finishing with a 3.48 ERA and 91 strikeouts. While perhaps not as overpowering as his brother, he demonstrated a reliable mix of pitches, excellent mound composure, and a knack for generating weak contact. Scouts praised his projectability and upside, noting that he had one of the highest ceilings among second-round arms. For the Tigers, who have invested heavily in pitching development over the past few years, Malachi was a perfect fit.
The Witherspoon twins became the first pair of Oklahoma brothers to be selected in the same draft since Damon and Ryan Minor, who were both drafted in 1996. Their story captured national attention, not only for its rarity but for the strong bond and mutual success it represented. Growing up in Florida, they had always pushed each other—whether on the basketball court, the football field, or the baseball diamond. Their competitive spirit, combined with their loyalty and commitment, made them beloved figures in the Oklahoma clubhouse and among the fan base. Seeing both realize their professional dreams on the same night was a moment of pride for their family and the program as a whole.
As if two picks weren’t enough, Oklahoma catcher Easton Carmichael added a third exclamation point to Day One when he was selected with the 82nd overall pick in the third round by the Pittsburgh Pirates. A junior and a two-time All-American, Carmichael had been a steady and powerful presence in the Sooners’ lineup since his freshman year. Known for his ability to handle elite pitching and control the strike zone, Carmichael brought a rare combination of offensive production and defensive prowess to the catcher position.
In 2025, he hit .327 with 17 home runs and 61 RBIs, cementing his place among the most productive hitters in the SEC. His 17 home runs ranked 11th in school history for a single season, and his career totals placed him among OU’s top five all-time in hits, RBIs, extra-base hits, and total bases. Behind the plate, he was a reliable game-caller and blocker, and though not an elite thrower, he consistently managed Oklahoma’s pitching staff with poise and intelligence. His leadership and presence were invaluable to a team that relied on a strong core of upperclassmen to guide it through the grind of conference play.
Carmichael’s selection by the Pirates filled an organizational need and highlighted the value of college catchers in today’s game. With the demands placed on catchers at the professional level—both physically and intellectually—players like Carmichael, who already bring maturity and experience, are highly sought after. Pittsburgh, in particular, has invested heavily in their minor league pitching infrastructure and sought a catcher capable of growing with that young core. Carmichael’s selection was both a testament to his individual ability and a reflection of the trust pro teams place in Oklahoma’s development system.
The trio of selections placed Oklahoma among the national leaders in Day One draft picks. The last time the Sooners had three players selected in the first three rounds of a draft was 2022, a team that later saw Cade Horton debut in the major leagues just three years later. For Coach Johnson, this year’s results further solidified his reputation as one of the premier developers of talent in college baseball. Since taking over in 2018, Johnson has now overseen 48 players drafted into professional baseball, including 29 pitchers. The consistent pipeline of talent reflects not just recruiting success, but a program that emphasizes growth, maturity, and performance under pressure.
In post-draft interviews, Johnson acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the moment. While thrilled for his players, he admitted the difficulty of replacing such high-level talent. “You always want your guys to stay another year, to lead and keep pushing our program,” he said. “But at the same time, when they get drafted like this, it’s exactly why they came here. Our job is to prepare them for that next level. And I think all three of them are ready.”
The draft success has implications far beyond the moment. In the hyper-competitive SEC, the ability to develop and place talent into Major League Baseball is a vital component of recruiting. High school prospects look for programs that can elevate their game, prepare them for pro ball, and give them the exposure they need. Witherspoon, Carmichael, and Malachi are walking proof that Oklahoma provides that opportunity. Their success, now etched into MLB Draft history, will ripple into future classes and serve as a foundation for continued excellence.
As the 2025 season fades into memory and the 2026 campaign begins to take shape, Oklahoma will face the challenge of replacing its stars while maintaining the high standards it has set. But the message from this year’s draft is clear: the Sooners are no longer just a team capable of making a postseason run—they are a consistent pipeline to the pros, respected and recognized by organizations at every level of professional baseball.
For Kyson, Malachi, and Easton, the journey is just beginning. Their names may have been called, but the real work starts now—rookie ball, bus rides, early morning workouts, video sessions, and the long, winding road toward the major leagues. Each carries with him the hopes of a program, a fan base, and the legacy of all those who came before. And as they take that next step, one thing remains certain: they will always be Sooners.
