2021 South Side Sox Top Prospect No. 86: Karan Patel

Karan Patel

6´0´´
215 pounds
Age: 24
SSS rank among all right-handed relief pitchers in the system: 16
2020 SSHP Top Prospect ranking: 94

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 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 then 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 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 Kannapolis’ pitching staff in 2021.