Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Garrett Whitlock

Garrett Getts Whitlock (born June 11, 1996) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB).^[1] A right-handed thrower and batter standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 222 pounds, Whitlock was selected by the New York Yankees in the 18th round of the 2017 MLB Draft out of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where he pitched for the Blazers from 2015 to 2017.^[2] He made his MLB debut with the Red Sox in 2021 after being acquired via the Rule 5 Draft in December 2020, quickly establishing himself as a versatile reliever and starter known for his sinker-slider combination.^[1] Over his career through the 2025 season, Whitlock has compiled a 25-14 record with a 3.13 ERA, 343 strikeouts in 313.2 innings across 165 appearances, including 10 saves and numerous holds in high-leverage situations.^[2] Whitlock's professional journey began in the Yankees' minor league system, where he advanced steadily before undergoing Tommy John surgery in July 2019, sidelining him for the 2020 season amid the COVID-19 pandemic's cancellation of minor league play.^[3] The Red Sox selected him in the Rule 5 Draft, requiring them to keep him on the active roster or offer him back to New York; instead, he thrived, posting a stellar 1.96 ERA in 73.1 innings over 46 relief appearances as a rookie in 2021, helping Boston reach the American League Championship Series.^[1] In April 2022, following a strong spring, the Red Sox signed him to a four-year, $18.75 million contract extension with club options for 2027 and 2028, securing his future in the organization through at least 2026.^[4] Transitioning between starting and relief roles, Whitlock maintained solid performance in 2022 (3.45 ERA in 78.1 innings) but faced challenges in 2023 with a 5.15 ERA amid control issues and a hip injury that limited him to 71.2 innings.^[2] His 2024 season was cut short after just four appearances (1.96 ERA in 18.1 innings) due to a torn UCL in his right elbow, leading to an internal brace repair procedure in May rather than full Tommy John reconstruction; this followed his prior 2019 surgery and allowed a quicker recovery.^[5] Returning in 2025 as a full-time reliever, Whitlock excelled with a 2.25 ERA, 7-3 record, and 91 strikeouts in 72 innings over 62 games, earning 20 holds and contributing significantly to Boston's bullpen stability with his command and ground-ball induction (career 45% ground-ball rate).^[6] In November 2025, he was selected to represent Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. As of November 2025, he remains a key asset for the Red Sox, valued for his durability post-injury and ability to pitch multiple innings in late-game scenarios.^[7]

Early life and amateur career

Early life and family

Garrett Getts Whitlock was born on June 11, 1996, in Snellville, Georgia, a suburb about 30 miles east of Atlanta.^[1] His parents, Larry and Janet Whitlock, separated when Garrett was 18 months old, after which he was raised primarily by his mother in a rural homestead outside the city.^[8] Janet, an ASL interpreter, communicated with her son through American Sign Language (ASL), which she taught him from a young age, fostering a close bond and early exposure to the deaf community.^[9] This family dynamic emphasized non-verbal communication and resilience, shaping Whitlock's upbringing in a supportive yet challenging environment.^[8] When Whitlock was seven years old, his mother remarried and the family adopted his younger brother, Gavrie, a three-year-old from Russia, expanding their household in the Atlanta suburbs.^[8] The brothers shared a bedroom and developed a strong sibling relationship, despite Gavrie's different interests outside of sports; Janet ensured both boys learned ASL to interact with her effectively.^[10] Beyond baseball, Whitlock's childhood included hands-on farm activities on the family property, where he bottle-fed baby goats, called cows to feed, drove tractors, baled hay, and mended fences alongside his father and grandfather, instilling a strong work ethic and appreciation for rural life.^[11] Whitlock's early interest in baseball was sparked through family outings to Turner Field, where he and his parents took trips via public transit to watch Atlanta Braves games from the upper decks, marveling at players like Chipper Jones and enjoying the stadium's Coca-Cola features.^[12] This encouragement from his family, combined with participation in local youth leagues, laid the foundation for his passion for the sport and paved the way for his development as a pitcher.^[12]

High school career

Garrett Whitlock attended Providence Christian Academy in Lilburn, Georgia, during the later stages of his high school baseball career, after transferring from Covenant Christian Academy. At Covenant, he helped lead the team to back-to-back state championships while earning two-time first-team all-state honors as a pitcher, compiling an 18-2 record with a 1.50 ERA over two seasons.^[13] At Providence Christian Academy, Whitlock excelled as a two-way player under coach Adam Cantrell. In his senior season, he went 7-2 on the mound with a 0.62 ERA and hit .450 at the plate, contributing to the team's advancement to the first round of the state playoffs.^[13]^[14] His versatility as both a pitcher and position player drew interest from scouts, and he was named to the 2015 Perfect Game Preseason Honorable Mention All-American team.^[15] Whitlock also received GHSA Second Team All-County recognition during his time at Providence. Family support from his early years played a key role in fostering his dual role in baseball. His strong high school performances led to recruitment by the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he signed a National Letter of Intent in November 2014.^[13]

College career

Whitlock enrolled at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in the fall of 2015, where he played college baseball for the UAB Blazers as a right-handed pitcher.^[13]^[16] His high school versatility as a two-way player carried into his early college career, beginning primarily as a reliever during his freshman season in 2016. In that year, he appeared in 25 games out of the bullpen, posting a 4-5 record with a 3.00 ERA over 51 innings pitched.^[17]^[16] As a sophomore in 2017, Whitlock transitioned into a more prominent starting role, making seven starts across 17 appearances and logging a career-high 60.1 innings pitched. He finished the season with a 3-6 record and a 4.03 ERA, striking out 44 batters while demonstrating improved command and endurance on the mound.^[16] His performance that year highlighted his potential as a starter, contributing to the Blazers' efforts in Conference USA play. Following his freshman season, Whitlock gained valuable exposure by playing collegiate summer baseball in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League for the Chatham Anglers in 2016. There, he made four appearances, pitching 6 scoreless innings to showcase his stuff against top amateur talent.^[16]^[1] This experience, combined with his sophomore development, positioned him for increased scout attention, and he declared eligibility for the MLB Draft after turning 21 prior to the 2017 event, undergoing pre-draft workouts and evaluations that emphasized his projectable frame and pitching arsenal.^[18]^[19]

Professional career

New York Yankees organization

Whitlock was selected by the New York Yankees in the 18th round, 542nd overall, of the 2017 MLB June Amateur Draft out of the University of Alabama at Birmingham.^[16] He signed with the organization and received a signing bonus of $247,500.^[20] Whitlock made his professional debut in 2017 with the Gulf Coast League Yankees West, where he appeared in three games (two starts) and recorded a 1.04 ERA over 8.2 innings, allowing just four hits while striking out 14 batters.^[16] His strong sinker and ground-ball tendencies were evident early, limiting opponents to a .133 batting average against.^[21] In 2018, Whitlock advanced through multiple levels of the Yankees' system, beginning with the Low-A Charleston RiverDogs, followed by stints with the High-A Tampa Tarpons and Double-A Trenton Thunder.^[16] Across 21 starts totaling 120.2 innings, he compiled an 8-5 record with a 1.86 ERA, allowing 93 hits and striking out 122 batters for a 9.1 K/9 rate.^[16] His performance earned him South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Week honors for the week of April 30 to May 6.^[1] Whitlock opened the 2019 season with the Double-A Trenton Thunder, where he went 3-3 with a 3.07 ERA in 14 starts over 70.1 innings before his campaign was cut short.^[16] On July 1, 2019, he underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, performed by Dr. Jeffrey Dugas in Birmingham, Alabama.^[22] The procedure sidelined him for the remainder of the season and into the next year. The 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing Whitlock from resuming gameplay as he continued his rehabilitation from surgery.^[23] With no on-field opportunities, he focused on long-toss and conditioning programs during the shutdown. Following the 2020 season, the Yankees left Whitlock unprotected, and he was selected by the Boston Red Sox with the fourth pick in the MLB phase of the Rule 5 Draft on December 10, 2020.^[23] Under Rule 5 rules, Boston paid $100,000 to New York to acquire his rights, and Whitlock was required to remain on the active major league roster for the 2021 season or be offered back to the Yankees.^[23]

Boston Red Sox organization

On December 10, 2020, the Boston Red Sox selected Whitlock from the New York Yankees in the Rule 5 Draft with the fourth overall pick in the major league phase, requiring the team to keep him on their 40-man roster for the entire 2021 season or offer him back to the Yankees.^[23] This acquisition brought Whitlock to Boston following his recovery from Tommy John surgery in the Yankees' system, prompting early caution in his workload management.^[24] Whitlock made his major league debut on April 4, 2021, pitching 3⅓ scoreless innings in relief against the Baltimore Orioles, striking out five batters.^[25] In his rookie season, he established himself as a key reliever, posting an 8-4 record with a 1.96 ERA over 73⅓ innings in 46 appearances, all out of the bullpen.^[2] His performance was instrumental in the Red Sox's postseason run, including multiple scoreless outings in the American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros, where he helped stabilize late-inning situations.^[26] On April 10, 2022, Whitlock agreed to a four-year contract extension with the Red Sox worth $18.75 million, covering the 2023-2026 seasons with club options for 2027 and 2028.^[27] That year, he transitioned into a hybrid role with nine starts among 31 total appearances, finishing 4-2 with a 3.45 ERA, though hip inflammation limited his effectiveness and led to time on the injured list.^[2]^[1] In 2023, Whitlock split time between starting and relieving across 22 games (10 starts), recording a 5-5 mark and a 5.15 ERA while dealing with multiple injured list stints due to elbow discomfort and a bereavement leave.^[2]^[1] These setbacks contributed to a challenging season marked by inconsistent command.^[28] Whitlock began 2024 in the starting rotation, delivering a strong 1.96 ERA over 18⅓ innings in four starts before sustaining a right UCL tear that necessitated season-ending surgery on May 30.^[29]^[30] The procedure, performed by Dr. Jeffrey Dugas, sidelined him for the remainder of the year and raised questions about his long-term durability.^[24] Following his recovery, Whitlock shifted to a full-time bullpen role in 2025, where he excelled with a 2.25 ERA and 1.08 WHIP across 72 innings, earning 2.0 bWAR while averaging 96 mph on his sinker and allowing just two earned runs after July.^[2]^[31] His dominance placed him among the top non-closing relievers in the American League, providing critical late-inning stability for the Red Sox.^[32] Through the 2025 season, Whitlock's overall major league career statistics with the Red Sox stood at a 25-14 record, 3.13 ERA, and 343 strikeouts in 313⅔ innings over 165 appearances.^[33] His postseason contributions include appearances in the 2021 ALCS and the 2025 AL Wild Card Series.^[2]

Personal life

Family

Garrett Whitlock married Jordan Barham in late 2019 at a vineyard north of Atlanta.^[34] The couple welcomed their first child, a son, in early July 2024.^[35] Jordan Whitlock, who holds a PhD in genetics and splits her time between Boston and Fort Myers, Florida, has played a central role in supporting her husband's career transitions and recoveries from injuries, including facilitating a healthier household diet in 2025 that helped him avoid the injured list, his first full season without an IL stint since 2021.^[34]^[36] Whitlock's parents, Janet and Larry, maintain an ongoing influence as part of his personal support system, particularly following family tragedies such as the 2023 death of his adopted brother Gavrie.^[8]

Language and interests

Garrett Whitlock is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), which he learned as his first language from his mother, Janet Whitlock, a professional ASL interpreter.^[37] This background has fostered a deep connection to the deaf community, where he has expressed that it holds a special place in his heart.^[38] Whitlock has incorporated ASL into his public life, notably delivering a welcome message in sign language to fans during the Boston Red Sox's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Night at Fenway Park in June 2023.^[39] His mother has also contributed to such events, serving as an ASL interpreter for deaf fans at Fenway Park in August 2024.^[40] Beyond language, Whitlock maintains a strong Christian faith, which he credits for providing perspective during personal challenges, including regular participation in prayer and church activities.^[41] He attended Providence Christian Academy in Lilburn, Georgia, during his high school years.^[42] Whitlock is actively involved in philanthropy, particularly with the Jimmy Fund, serving as its captain for the Boston Red Sox since 2023 to support Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's efforts against cancer.^[43] In this role, he promotes awareness and fundraising, drawing from personal motivations to serve others and build community impact.^[44]

References

[1]
Garrett Whitlock Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News
Garrett Whitlock Bio. Fullname: Garrett Getts Whitlock; Born: 6/11/1996 in Snellville, GA; Draft: 2017, New York Yankees, Round: 18, Overall Pick: 542 ...
[2]
Garrett Whitlock Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More
Garrett Whitlock ; Position: Pitcher ; Bats: Right ; Throws: Right ; Team: Boston Red Sox (majors).
[3]
Garrett Whitlock - Boston Red Sox Relief Pitcher - ESPN
View the profile of Boston Red Sox Relief Pitcher Garrett Whitlock on ESPN. Get the latest news, live stats and game highlights.Stats · Full Splits · Bio · Game Log
[4]
Boston Red Sox sign Garrett Whitlock to four-year extension - ESPN
Apr 10, 2022 · The Red Sox have signed right-handed reliever Garrett Whitlock to a four-year contract extension, with a source saying he is guaranteed a ...
[5]
Red Sox RHP Garrett Whitlock (elbow) out remainder of season
May 25, 2024 · Whitlock, who had Tommy John surgery when he was in the New York Yankees' farm system in 2019, said the less evasive surgery is currently ...
[6]
Garrett Whitlock's underrated 2025 season for Red Sox - MLB.com
Oct 11, 2025 · The final guaranteed year of his contract is in '26. But the Sox hold club options for $8.25 million in '27 and $10.5 million in '28.
[7]
Garrett Whitlock - MLB News, Rumors, & Updates | FOX Sports
Pitches into/out of trouble Whitlock allowed one hit and struck out three over one scoreless inning to earn his 20th hold in Monday's 4-3 win over Baltimore.<|control11|><|separator|>
[8]
Months after tragedy, Garrett Whitlock brings newfound perspective ...
Mar 12, 2024 · Whitlock's parents separated when he was 18 months old. For years, Janet Whitlock was a young, single mother with a nagging feeling that her ...
[9]
Deaf News Briefs: $200k medical discrimination case; Red Sox ...
Jun 22, 2023 · He said his mother is an ASL interpreter and she taught the language to him as a young kid. Whitlock said in a video that sign language is his ...Missing: Janet | Show results with:Janet
[10]
Months after losing his brother, Garrett Whitlock brings new ...
Mar 12, 2024 · Both Whitlocks enjoyed professional success at an early age. Garrett broke into the majors at 25 and emerged as one of the most dominant ...
[11]
Jennings: 'The pig lives in the house!?' Brought together by baseball ...
Apr 15, 2022 · The first time Garrett Whitlock brought his wife to the farm, he tried to prepare her without revealing too much.Missing: background | Show results with:background
[12]
Garrett Whitlock returns home for Braves series - MLB.com
Jun 15, 2021 · Whitlock grew up about 30 miles from Atlanta and loved making trips to Turner Field to watch the Braves play. Garrett Whitlock's father Larry ...Missing: early life
[13]
UAB Baseball Inks Garrett Whitlock
Nov 13, 2014 · BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Garrett Whitlock of Snellville, Ga. (Providence HS, Lilburn, Ga.) has signed his National Letter of Intent and will join ...Missing: early life
[14]
Is Garrett Whitlock really pitching while he has double vision? Well ...
Apr 6, 2022 · Is Garrett Whitlock really pitching while he has double vision? ... He posted a 0.62 ERA as a senior but was not selected in the 2015 MLB draft.<|control11|><|separator|>
[15]
Garrett Whitlock - Baseball - UAB Athletics
Garrett Whitlock (11) RHP - - 18th round pick by the New York Yankees in the 2017 MLB Draft SOPHOMORE SEASON (2017) - Tossed a career-high 60.1 innings over ...
[16]
Garrett Whitlock Amateur, College & Minor Leagues Statistics
Garrett Whitlock. Position: Relief Pitcher. Bats: Right • Throws: Right. 6-5, 222lb (196cm, 100kg).
[17]
UAB pitcher Garrett Whitlock drafted by New York Yankees - AL.com
Jun 14, 2017 · He is draft-eligible after two seasons due to having his 21st birthday before this year's MLB Draft. Whitlock, a Snellville, Ga., native, turned ...Missing: enrollment | Show results with:enrollment
[18]
Garrett Whitlock Stats & Scouting Report - Baseball America
An eligible sophomore, Whitlock touched 95 mph with sink in the Cape Cod League last summer and has flashed a plus fastball and plus slider at his best.
[19]
Garrett Whitlock - Stats - Pitching | FanGraphs Baseball
Draft: 2017, Rd: 18, Pick: 17, Ovr: 542. Draft Team: New York Yankees. Signing Bonus: $247,500. School: Alabama-Birmingham. Contract, 4 yr, $18.75M (2023-26) ( ...Missing: evaluations | Show results with:evaluations<|control11|><|separator|>
[20]
Yankees Top Prospects | MiLB.com - MLB.com
Whitlock's low-three-quarters delivery produces 91-94 mph two-seam fastballs with tremendous sink, leading to a stellar 1.7 groundout/airout ratio in 2018. He' ...
[21]
Tommy John Surgery List (@MLBPlayerAnalys) - Google Docs
Garrett Whitlock, 7/1/2019, NYY, AA, P, R, United States, Georgia, Alabama-Birmingham, 23, 4/4/2021, 21, 676477, 20191, Dr. Jeffrey Dugas. 724. Sam Tewes, 7/1/ ...
[22]
Red Sox select Garrett Whitlock in 2020 Rule 5 Draft - MLB.com
Dec 10, 2020 · The Yankees selected Whitlock out of Alabama-Birmingham in the 18th round of the 2017 MLB Draft. The 24-year-old has a 12-8 record and a 2.41 ...Missing: career trade
[23]
Whitlock remains 'Boston Strong' despite harsh reality of injury
May 25, 2024 · The alternative would be Tommy John UCL reconstruction surgery, a procedure Whitlock had five years ago and hopes to avoid this time. “I think ...
[24]
Garrett Whitlock K's five in MLB debut | 04/04/2021 | Boston Red Sox
Apr 4, 2021 · Garrett Whitlock strikes out five batters in 3 1/3 innings of relief in his MLB debut vs. the Orioles.
[25]
Boston Red Sox advance to ALCS behind Kiké Hernandez, Rule 5 ...
Oct 11, 2021 · Boston Red Sox advance to ALCS behind Kiké Hernandez, Rule 5 draft pick-turned-bullpen ace Garrett Whitlock. Joon LeeOct 11, 2021, 10:59 PM ET.
[26]
Garrett Whitlock, Red Sox agree to four-year extension - MLB.com
Apr 10, 2022 · A source told MLB.com that the four-year extension is worth $18.5 million. The '27 option is for $8.5 million and the '28 option is $10.5 ...
[27]
2023 In Review: An Up-And-Down Season for Garrett Whitlock
Dec 14, 2023 · Elbow issues resurfaced this year, leading to multiple stints on the IL and a return to the bullpen in the second half of the season.<|separator|>
[28]
Garrett Whitlock undergoes successful surgery - MLB.com
May 30, 2024 · BOSTON, MA—Boston Red Sox right-handed pitcher Garrett Whitlock today underwent a successful right elbow ulnar collateral ligament repair ...
[29]
Garrett Whitlock Fantasy Stats | FantasyData
Whitlock underwent season-ending elbow surgery after making just four starts during the 2024 season.
[30]
Where does Garrett Whitlock's 2025 rank among recent Red Sox ...
Sep 14, 2025 · The 29-year-old currently has an ERA under 2.50 in 65.1 innings. He's been worth 2.0 bWAR and has only allowed two earned runs since the start ...<|separator|>
[31]
https://bosoxinjection.com/where-does-garrett-whitlocks-2025-rank-among-recent-red-sox-non-closer-seasons
[32]
Garrett Whitlock Career Stats (Pitching) | StatMuse
Garrett Whitlock has played 5 seasons for the Red Sox. He has 25 wins, 14 losses, an ERA of 3.13 and 343 strikeouts.Missing: debut | Show results with:debut<|separator|>
[33]
Here's to the Home Team | Boston.com
Jordan Whitlock's story begins as a young girl in Woodstock, Georgia, outside of Atlanta. She has a younger sister and her parents, but she also has these next- ...Missing: background | Show results with:background
[34]
Garrett Whitlock used healthier diet to fuel Red Sox rebirth, hopes ...
Oct 22, 2025 · ... 2024 and pitched in just four games in 2024 before requiring season-ending elbow surgery, was a major bright spot for the 2025 Red Sox. He ...Missing: UCL | Show results with:UCL
[35]
How Red Sox's Garrett Whitlock knows sign language as his 'first ...
Jun 21, 2023 · “My mom is a sign language interpreter so she taught it to me as a young kid,” Whitlock told MassLive. “I mostly use it in communication with my ...
[36]
Garrett Whitlock | This past weekend was Deaf and hard ... - Instagram
Jun 5, 2023 · ASL was my first language growing up. It was taught to me by my mom who is a sign language interpreter. Because of that this community always has a special ...Missing: American mother
[37]
Red Sox pitcher Garrett Whitlock learned sign language as his 'first ...
Jun 21, 2023 · Red Sox pitcher Garrett Whitlock said he learned sign language from his mother when he was a child. His mother works as an interpreter.Missing: American | Show results with:American
[38]
Red Sox Pitcher's Mom Interprets at Fenway Park for Deaf Fans
Aug 25, 2024 · Red Sox pitcher Garrett Whitlock (#22) with his mom, Janet Whitlock. Janet is an ASL interpreter from Georgia & she flew in to interpret at ...Missing: background | Show results with:background
[39]
From carrying the beer to racking up strikeouts, Garrett Whitlock has ...
May 1, 2021 · His previous 18 months had been a test of will and faith. Tommy John surgery in July of 2019 had derailed his career, but he had emerged ...Missing: hobbies interests hunting
[40]
Months after tragedy, Providence Christian grad Garrett Whitlock ...
Mar 13, 2024 · Months after tragedy, Providence Christian grad Garrett Whitlock brings new perspective to Red Sox. By Chris Cotillo masslive.com; Mar 13, 2024 ...Missing: career Academy
[41]
Red Sox pitcher Garrett Whitlock named 2025 Jimmy Fund Captain
Mar 10, 2025 · The Jimmy Fund announced today that Boston Red Sox pitcher, Garrett Whitlock, will once again serve as the Jimmy Fund Captain this season.
[42]
Red Sox pitcher Garrett Whitlock named 2023 Jimmy Fund Captain
Mar 29, 2023 · Red Sox pitcher Garrett Whitlock steps up as Jimmy Fund Captain, championing Dana-Farber's fight against cancer and continuing a cherished tradition.