In a surprising move that could ignite excitement among fans, the San Francisco Giants have reportedly signed hard-throwing reliever Mitch White to a minor league contract. This intriguing news was initially brought to light by Tread Athletics, a training facility known for enhancing pitcher performance through innovative techniques and rigorous programs.
Tread Athletics shares similarities with Driveline, focusing on elevating pitchers’ skills by increasing their velocity, adding spin to their pitches, and adjusting their arm slots or pitch varieties. Such facilities are often instrumental in a player’s development, making a noticeable difference when they arrive at spring training with improved mechanics or pitches. They frequently showcase their talent through pro days, which can lead to valuable opportunities with major league teams.
Mitch White, who has been signed by the Giants, is not to be confused with another player of the same name who made a brief appearance with the Giants in 2024. That previous Mitch White spent the 2025 season playing for the SSG Landers in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO).
The current Mitch White played his final college season at the University of Cincinnati in 2023. After going undrafted that year, he joined the Schaumburg Boomers in the Frontier League, where he made quite an impression. Over two seasons with the Boomers, he achieved a commendable ERA of 3.56, registering 85 strikeouts against 45 walks across 70 appearances. While his strikeout rate is impressive, it's worth noting that his walk numbers are slightly elevated, indicating room for improvement in command.
As a right-handed pitcher, White showcases a fastball that hovers in the mid-90s range, complemented by a mid-80s curveball and a splitter that can reach up to 91 MPH. The fastball features a riding action that can be effective in the upper part of the strike zone. He demonstrates a solid command of his curveball, using it as his primary secondary pitch that he can confidently place in the strike zone. His splitter also shows potential, adding variety to his pitching arsenal.
This signing represents White’s first foray into affiliated professional baseball, a significant milestone in his career. The Giants have successfully tapped into talent from independent leagues in recent years; for instance, Spencer Bivens posted a 3.68 ERA over 129.1 major league innings after initially showcasing his skills in independent ball, including a stint in the Frontier League back in 2021.
Another noteworthy addition through similar channels is Dayson Croes, who was preparing for his third season in the American Association before signing with the Giants. Croes experienced a remarkable ascent through the minor league ranks, culminating in a brief experience at the Triple-A level.
This latest acquisition of Mitch White could indeed represent a pivotal moment for both the player and the Giants, raising questions about how well he will adapt to the challenges of affiliated ball. How do you feel about the Giants’ approach in scouting talent from independent leagues? Do you think this strategy will continue to yield success? Feel free to share your thoughts!
