Drew Thorpe
Right-Handed Starting Pitcher
2024 SSS Top Prospect Ranking N/A
Birmingham Barons

As our runner-up as 2024 Sox Populi Pitcher of the Year, starting pitcher Drew Thorpe made quite the splash this season. Thorpe, who turned 24 on October 1, is a right-handed pitcher who so dominated in 60 innings for the Birmingham Barons he made a direct leap to the majors.

Thorpe was nearly a lock to deliver a gem for the Barons, posting a 1.35 ERA and a 2.94 FIP during his 11 starts. Thorpe played a sizable part in Birmingham’s flaming-hot start to the season. In the first half, the Barons went 41-28, which was best in the Southern League. That strong first half ultimately brought the Barons to the postseason, and they proceeded to win the Southern League Championship. This marked the first time since 2013 that the Barons won this title.

One caveat to Thorpe’s profile is his velocity, as his fastball averages 91.0 mph, which only puts him in the 11th percentile in the majors in that category. Velocity sure has taken off across baseball as a whole. However, despite lacking an overpowering fastball, Thorpe shows a lot of potential. Even in the majors, opposing hitters only posted a .251 wOBA and .260 xwOBA against Thorpe’s changeup, which he threw 35.5% of the time. Overall, Thorpe posted a 5.48 ERA and a 5.87 FIP in his first career 44 1/3 MLB innings, so his other pitches were not as successful. However, all things considered, Thorpe’s first stint in the majors was acceptable. Thorpe had a few nightmarish starts, but outside of those, he pitched to his strengths effectively and reduced solid contact to post good numbers. In fact, five of Thorpe’s nine MLB appearances were quality starts.

It is unlikely that Thorpe will ever be a major strikeout artist. Thorpe’s 5.1 K/9 rate in the majors is likely a bit lower than it will be long-term, but it is safe to say that he will never be Garrett Crochet in that sense. However, if Thorpe is able to build on his slider so that he has an effective breaking ball in addition to his changeup, he will be very difficult to square up. A big part of Thorpe’s game is limiting loud contact, which he did a masterful job of doing across minor league action.

Unfortunately, Thorpe’s season was cut short, as he suffered a bone spur in his right elbow. He’s had surgery to repair that, and Thorpe is expected to be ready for spring training.

Congratulations to Thorpe on his successful season. He was one of the key pieces from the Dylan Cease trade, and so far, he has been living up to the large amount of hype. Thorpe has shown that he deserves a spot in the 2025 starting rotation.

2024 Sox Populi White Sox Minor League All-Star Team
Edgar Quero (C) (Player of the Year)
Noah Schultz (LHSP) (Pitcher of the Year)
Drew Thorpe (RHSP)

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Drew Thorpe photo: Birmingham Barons