Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Red Sox sign pitcher after seeing his impressive video

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 4/23/24

The Boston Red Sox have signed a pitcher after seeing his impressive video online.

Danny Kirwin, who pitched last season at Rider University, has been training for a season playing independent baseball. On Friday, Kirwin’s performance coach shared a video of the pitcher throwing an indoor bullpen session.

Kirwin topped out at 96.2 mph and averaged 95.1 mph on his fastball. His stuff showed good movement too. Take a look:

Might as well be a scheduled weekly post at this point, but another day of Danny Kirwin being absolutely gross @DannyKirwin3 @TreadHQ https://t.co/pkXJ0OUeJb pic.twitter.com/syFb2p8dH4

— Lucas Still (@imstilllucas) April 20, 2024

On Sunday, the Red Sox signed Kirwin’s rights away from the independent Oakland Ballers.

Red Sox have signed RHP Danny Kirwin to a minor-league deal, per @susanslusser.

6’2, 205. Member of the Oakland Ballers in the Pioneer League. Racked up 67 strikeouts in 50 1/3 IP and held a 2.32 ERA for Rider University last year.

Tops out at 98.

pic.twitter.com/PCMAjZcwbG

— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) April 23, 2024

The Ballers don’t mind losing Kirwin because it generates publicity for them. They also were taking some credit for Kirwin’s signing.

On Saturday we posted a video of Danny Kirwin throwing a cutter that was so nasty the video was flagged as insensitive content.

On Sunday the Red Sox acquired his contractual rights. pic.twitter.com/1gXV61fkLX

— Oakland Ballers (@OaklandBallers) April 23, 2024

Kirwin played four seasons at Rider and improved each year. The reliever went 7-2 with 14 saves last season and had a 2.32 ERA in 50.1 innings.

Watching Kirwin’s video, it’s evident he has good stuff. His problem is he can’t seem to locate his pitches, even when he’s not in a game situation. That problem seems to be evident with his elevated walk numbers; he walked 36 batters over his 50.1 innings last year. The Red Sox apparently saw enough that led them to give Kirwin a chance in their minor league system.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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