Get to Know 2024 Minnesota Twins Draft Pick: Logan Whitaker

[Ted Schwerzler]

When the dust settled on the 2024 Minnesota Twins draft, nine of the final 10 selections made were pitchers. Logan Whitaker was among them, and the right-handed thrower from NC State is ready to get going in pro ball.

Image courtesy of NC State Athletics

The North Carolina native stayed home for school as Logan Whitaker attended NC State. Pitching three seasons for the Wolfpack, Minnesota's newest prospect spent the vast majority of his time working as a starting pitcher. Nearly surpassing 80 innings a year ago, and topping double-digit strikeouts per nine innings this season, he has done it all on the mound.

As a redshirt senior, Whitaker's experience came in handy during the NCAA Tournament. He led all Wolfpack pitchers with 23 strikeouts, and opposing batters hit just .161 off of him. Striking out a career-high 10 Florida State hitters during the NCAA Tournament, Whitaker was dominant working seven innings of one-run relief.

Before Whitaker kicks off his pro career, I caught up with the Wolfpack alum to introduce him to Twins Territory.

Twins Daily: Being born in North Carolina and then heading to NC State, what was it like pitching at such a high level in your home state?

Logan Whitaker: The experience pitching for NC State in my home state was exciting, not being too far from home but just far enough. Some games that were closer to home, a lot of people that supported me through high school were able to attend. That is always special. This past year was even more special, hosting a regional in our stadium was an exhilarating experience.

TD: You started for three years with NC State. How did you continue to show durability and pile up innings?

LW: Getting around the right people that I could learn from and grow on how the body is able to recover. How the body moves and how I can move efficiently to best help my recovery and ability to continue to grow as a player. I piled up innings
because of my competitive nature on hating losing more than I like winning. I had some time to make up because I am a bit older. But, piling up innings would get me to my ultimate goal, professional baseball.

TD: What does your repertoire look like? What are your go to pitches and what do you feel most comfortable attacking hitters with?

LW: I throw a four seam fastball, curveball, slider, and four-seam change-up. I can attack hitters with any pitch in any count. I feel most comfortable attacking hitters with the fastball early. If I get behind and know I’m in a fastball count, I’m very comfortable throwing a change-up in those counts.

TD: You saw a sizable jump in strikeouts this year. What changes did you make to increase your numbers?

LW: It started kind of from the ground up. Putting more mass on my frame for starters, so I could pile on innings and still feel really good. With that added mass came a couple ticks up in my velocity. Last year I would sit 89-92, this year I was
92-95. The tick up allowed my off-speed pitches to develop and grow as well. I have always been very sound in locating and commanding all my pitches. Fastball and change-up command to both sides of the plate in any count is my main contributor
to more strikeouts.

TD: The Twins have helped to add velocity for a handful of arms. What do you know about the organization and Minnesota in general?

LW: I do not know a whole lot about the Twins. I am very excited to get to draft camp and get going!

TD: Data continues to be a huge proponent of development. How much do you lean into that for development? Any thoughts on pro ball starting to use the electronic strike zone?

LW: I think data is a very useful tool. I don’t use it a whole whole lot because in game that data isn’t gonna keep that batter from hitting off of you. The competitive nature, determination, and knowledge is what’s gonna get the batter out. The data can be used as a stepping stool to sharpen pitches, body mechanics, etc. but too much of it and it can become the main focus. I have no thoughts on the electronic zone. It’ll be something that’s new and unused by me up to this point.

TD: What do you do for fun to help you reset and what do you enjoy away from the diamond?

LW: Fishing off shore, any kind of cars, and coffee. Also going to the beach or lake with friends and family. I also hunt with my dad a good bit.

Welcome to Twins Territory, Logan!

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[DocBauer]

He's got a tall, long frame with decent velocity, solid hit and K per 9 numbers but not so great BB results. But it seems like there's a solid base to work from.

I'm guessing he was drafted so late due to his age. Not only might there be limited development left as he might be maxed out, but he also might not reach the ML until he's about 27. 

I wonder if he's a better pen option at this point?

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

11 hours ago, DocBauer said:

He's got a tall, long frame with decent velocity, solid hit and K per 9 numbers but not so great BB results. But it seems like there's a solid base to work from.

I'm guessing he was drafted so late due to his age. Not only might there be limited development left as he might be maxed out, but he also might not reach the ML until he's about 27. 

I wonder if he's a better pen option at this point?

Pen or Starter,  will wait and see.  They give every player the opportunity to prove themselves at the lower levels.   They see something they can work with,  that is enough for me.  If either a pen or starter position and starts to flash,  will be worth the pick.