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Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 45 | Overall: 45

Larson was a high school standout in Iowa when he decided to pack his bags and head south to spend his senior year at IMG Academy. The left-hander arrived in Florida with some exciting but inconsistent stuff that was on display during the summer showcase circuit at events like the Area Code Games, and he’s taken a step forward in his year in Bradenton.

A 6-foot-3 southpaw who has a ton of ceiling, Larson has the potential to eventually have three plus pitches if they all click. With a fast and whippy arm, he already can run his fastball up to 96 mph, sitting in the 93 mph range, and it’s easy to dream on more consistent velocity as he matures. When he executes it, his 79-80 mph slider is a true out pitch with depth, registering high spin rates in the process, but it can be slurvy at times. He has a firm upper-80s changeup that he doesn’t use that often at this level, but has shown enough feel that some evaluators think it will give him a third plus offering.

Larson’s ceiling will be determined by how much he can continue to improve his control and command. 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.

Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 45 | Overall: 40

Larson pitched for the White Sox's Area Code Games team in August 2023, then joined the organization 11 months later as a supplemental second-round pick acquired from the Mariners in a trade for Gregory Santos. In between he transferred from Southeast Polk HS (Pleasant Hill, Iowa) and became the best prospect at perennial powerhouse IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.). He passed on a Texas Christian commitment to sign for an over-slot $1,397,500.

Larson operates with a 92-94 mph fastball that touches 96 with run and sink, and it should pick up more velocity once he fills out his projectable 6-foot-2 frame. His low-80s slider can reach 3,000 rpm and has two-plane depth at its best, though it can get slurvy at times. He's in the early stages of developing a changeup that's presently too firm in the upper 80s and lacks consistent action. 

After battling his command on the showcase circuit, Larson did a better job of locating his fastball and slider this spring. Some scouts believe the effort and low arm slot in his delivery present reliever risk and hamper his control, though his mechanics also create angle and a flat approach angle that enhance his deception. He’ll need time to add some polish but his biggest backers compare him to Shane McClanahan.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	10/31/2024	Kannapolis Cannon Ballers activated LHP Blake Larson from the 60-day injured list.
	08/02/2024	LHP Blake Larson assigned to Kannapolis Cannon Ballers.
	07/23/2024	Chicago White Sox signed LHP Blake Larson.
	06/16/2024	College Workout activated LHP Blake Larson.