Chicago White Sox select TCU LHP commit Blake Larson in 2024 MLB Draft

The Chicago White Sox have selected IMG Academy standout, TCU LHP commit Blake Larson in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft.

Larson, a standout in Iowa who transferred to IMG for the latter part of his high school career, is regarded as one of the top lefty pitchers at the preps level.

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The Des Moines native was one of 319 players invited to the MLB Draft Combine at Chase Field during the pre-draft cycle. During his senior season at IMG Academy, Larson logged a 1.80 ERA across 42.2 innings pitched, elevating his draft stock throughout his senior year after making his commitment to TCU known before the season began.

Described as a 6-foot-3 southpaw with tons of ceiling, Larson utilizes three pitches in his arsenal. Coming out of the high school level, his fastball can reach up to 96 mph but averages at about the 93 mph range. He works in a high-70s slider and an upper-80s changeup. The latter of which he doesn’t use often, but can certainly develop whether he’s in the minor league or college level next season.

“Larson’s ceiling will be determined by how much he can continue to improve his control and command,” his MLB scouting report reads. “It was spotty over the summer and it’s gotten better this spring, a good trend for a cold-weather player who moved for more reps and better competition. Some may have seen some reliever risk in the Texas Christian recruit in the past, but the same could be said for All-Star Shane McLanahan, who has similar stuff in some scouts’ eyes.”

If Larson does choose to attend TCU, he’ll immediately bolster a Horned Frogs pitching staff that led the program to a 33-21 season that saw them finish below .500 in conference play. After reaching the Men’s College World Series in 2023, the finish was a bit disappointing after missing out on the NCAA Tournament altogether.

Entering the fourth year of the Kirk Saarloos era at TCU, the sky is the limit for the Horned Frogs after signing one of the stronger recruiting classes this cycle. Larson’s IMG Academy teammate, two-way star Noah Franco and fellow incoming freshman Mason Brassfield, who have all committed to Saarloos and the Horned Frogs, have similar decisions to make in the coming days following the conclusion of the 2024 MLB Draft.