- Full name Matthew Wilkinson
- Born 02/04/2002 in Park Cottage Grove, MN
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 195 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Wichita State
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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BA Grade/Risk: 45/High.
Track Record: Wilkinson signed for $110,000 in the 10th round of the 2023 draft as a soft-tossing lefthander who could pitch. In his first pro season in 2024 he was one of the most effective minor leaguers in the game with Low-A Lynchburg and High-A Lake County. He posted a 1.90 ERA in 24 starts and 118.2 innings. Among pitchers with 100 innings, Wilkinson’s ERA and 174 strikeouts were good for second.
Scouting Report: Known as “Tugboat,” Wilkinson is a large and husky lefthander with a 6-foot-1, 270-pound frame. He’s a functional mover on the mound despite his size and creates plenty of deception thanks to a low release height and crossfire landing. Wilkinson has a three-pitch mix that is uninspiring in a vacuum but effective in practice. He sits 88-91 mph with a fastball that touches 92-93, but misses bats at the top of the zone thanks to his flat vertical approach angle and excellent spin efficiency. His 77-82 mph slider is a slurvy breaking ball that lacks power, but has played up thanks to his ability to land it. His low-80s changeup might be his best offering and has flashed above-average for some scouts. He’s a plus strike-thrower who has great feel for his entire arsenal.
The Future: Wilkinson shed nearly 25 pounds after signing but will need to continue improving his body to help amplify his secondaries and find a bit more velocity. Even if he doesn’t, there’s a narrow path to a smoke-and-mirrors back-end starter role thanks to his deception, angles and command.
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 40 | Slider: 45 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 60.
Career Transactions
- RHP Matt Wilkinson assigned to Wichita State Shockers.
