Get to Know the Newest Brewer: RHP Mitch White

Since making his major-league debut in 2020, Mitch White has bounced around from the Dodgers, to the Blue Jays, to the Giants, and has now landed in the unmatched beauty of Wisconsin. Initially being groomed as a starter, he struggled immensely before Toronto moved him to the bullpen full-time in 2023. the 29-year-old still hasn’t found a ton more stability since and is probably being seen as a project more than anything.

So what does he do well? Well, since he’s pitched just 28 major league innings in 2023 and 2024 combined, it’s hard to say. In fact, it might be best to look at the 55 2/3 innings he spent with the AAA Buffalo Bisons in 2023 to get the most complete picture. 

He posted a 5.50 ERA and 1.56 WHIP over 12 starts. His K/9 figure of 10.83 was pretty good and his sweeper/slider combination was arguably his most potent, posting a cumulative K/BB rate of 3.75. While he also managed to earn quite a few strikeouts with his different fastballs, his overall K/BB rate on his four-seam and sinker was significantly worse at 1.26. 

Consequently, he had a 6.43 ERA against his four-seam fastball compared to a 3.86 ERA against his sweeper. When looking at the pitch frequency of both pitches, it’s clear that the placement of his fastball is simply too hitter-friendly. A lack of elevation and concentration in the heart of the strike zone are likely to blame, especially with a subpar average velocity around 93-94 mph.

On the other hand, his sweeper frequency chart was more encouraging with many of these pitches tailing away with strong downward and glove-side movement. His sweeper hovers around 42.4 inches of drop and 16.2 inches of horizontal break, impressive figures. 

However, in his 15 1/3 innings so far in 2024, his pitching seems to have turned upside down. Instead, he’s struggled with his sweeper/slider while his four-seam fastball seems to have improved significantly. It’s a little higher in the zone and closer to the edges. and while it still has room for improvement, it seems to be going in the right direction.

This is over a small sample size so things might still be subject to change but with the Brewers’ uncanny ability to often get the best out of their pitching staff, they might have an uncovered gem here in Mitch White. It remains to be seen exactly what sort of role he’ll be filling but with Bryse Wilson thrust into the rotation because of team injuries (the team currently has three starters on the 60-day IL, which one you walked under a ladder?), he might be a perfect substitute long reliever. 

Because the rotation currently lacks a true veteran presence/workhorse, it wouldn’t be surprising for Pat Murphy to go to the bullpen earlier and more often. This would make White’s stamina a strong asset given the team’s current pitching needs. It should also be noted that Milwaukee simply paid cash, so in the worst case scenario this doesn’t go very well and the team’s future is still largely held intact.

To make room for him on the roster, the Brewers have designated RHP Corbin Martin for assignment.

White was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the 2nd round of the 2016 draft out of Santa Clara. He ranked among the organization's top prospects into the 2021 season. He made his big-league debut and pitched in two games in 2020. In 2021, he posted a 3.66 ERA over 21 games and 46 2/3 innings. In 2022, he made 15 appearances including 10 starts for the Dodger. In early July, he was traded to the Blue Jays and pitched in 10 more games for the Blue Jays (8 starts). In 2023, he pitched in 10 games out of the Jays bullpen. 

Out of options, 2024 has been a roller coaster for White. He opened the season with the Jays, but by April 20th, he was DFAd and claimed by the Giants. He pitched in just three games for San Francisco before being DFAd early this week. 

Do you see a role in which Mitch White remains in the Brewers big-league bullpen or do you think he could be DFAd in the very near future with the hope that he clears waivers and can be sent to Nashville for depth?