South Side Hit Pen Top Prospect No. 94: Karan Patel
Trail- and fastball-blazing: Patel is one of many promising arms drafted in 2019 by the White Sox. (Phrake Photography/South Side Hit Pen)
Karan Patel
6´0´´
215 pounds
Age: 23
SSHP rank among all right-handed relief pitchers in the system: 17
Patel improved in each of his four years for the University of Texas-San Antonio. In 2019 for the Roadrunners in 14 starts spanning 89 innings, Patel provided the UTSA with a rock-solid 2.82 ERA and 1.24 WHIP by relinquishing just 78 hits and 33 walks while striking out a school-record 102. Patel made history when the White Sox selected him in the seventh round of the MLB draft, as he became the first player of Indian origin (and perhaps the only drafted player who happens to be a national-team level cricket player) to ever be drafted.
In 18 appearances for Great Falls totaling 32 ⅓ innings, Patel allowed 34 hits (.264 OBA) and just seven walks (5.0%) while striking out 38 (27.0%) in compiling a 3.90 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. Opponents hit grounders 36.7% of the time off his offerings, and he pitched in some bad luck as his FIP was a terrific 2.85. Patel’s fastball presently peaks at 94 mph per Baseball America, and he features an above-average curveball as well.
It’s possible Patel could begin next year in the rotation — especially if he offers another plus pitch in his arsenal. Patel should be a lock to be a part of next year’s Kannapolis pitching staff.
I'm the writer formerly known as WSM20051917. Despite my entire family being Cub fans, I grew up listening to Harry Caray and Jimmy Piersall on the radio as I listened to the entire season of the South Side Hit Men of '77. While it's true I have a myriad of other interests (American history, classic literature, classic rock, classic country, blues, jazz, gardening, family, etc.—not all in that order), few things aside from family surpass my interest in all things baseball — especially the White Sox.