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Will Kincanon
Right-Handed Relief Pitcher
6´3´´
202 pounds
Age: 25
SSS rank among all right-handed relief pitchers in the system: 3
2021 SSS Top Prospect Vote: 32
2020 SSHP Top Prospect Ranking: 38
2019 SSS Top Prospect Ranking: 99
Will Kincanon, a native of suburban Brookfield, pitched for nearby Triton College for two seasons before transferring to Indiana State University.
In his junior season with the Sycamores, he actually posted lackluster numbers (5.24 ERA, 1.48 WHIP) as a starting pitcher. In 14 starts totaling 79 innings, he surrendered 82 hits (.264 OBA) and 35 walks (9.6%) while striking out 93 (25.4%). Nonetheless, the White Sox selected him in the 11th round of the 2017 draft with the intent of converting him to a reliever. After receiving a $150,000 signing bonus, Kincanon entered 21 games for Great Falls and did quite well: a 3.94 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 29 2⁄3 innings with three saves, 24 hits (.220 OBA), 13 walks (10.2%) and 29 strikeouts (22.7%).
In 2018 with Kannapolis, Kincanon continued to put solid numbers on the board although his control was lacking at times. In 26 games spanning 34 2⁄3 innings for the Intimidators, he compiled a 3.63 ERA and 1.27 WHIP by relinquishing 29 hits (.218 OBA) and 15 walks (9.7%) while fanning 42 (27.3%).
In Winston-Salem in 2019, Kincanon enjoyed his best season yet with a 1.86 ERA and 1.22 WHIP, saving eight games and ceding 45 hits (.208 OBA) and 26 walks (10.6%) while striking out 71 (28.9%).
At the time Kincanon was drafted, Baseball America said of him, “Kincanon has touched 93-95 mph at his best, but he’s thrown more strikes when he gears down a little, relying on a low-90s sinker. His changeup gives him a second average pitch while he also throws a fringy slider.” It’s been reported that his fastball now runs 94-96 mph and occasionally touches 97 — it’s also helped keep his amazing ground ball rate at 57.4%. Lefties hit just .194 against him, which indicates that his changeup may have been working well in 2019. His slider now runs 83-86 with depth, and he’s recently started using a curveball to great effect.
It’s actually a great arsenal of pitches, and it’s one that should give Kincanon continued success, with Birmingham this summer. If he can avoid free passes, The Cannon may find his way to Charlotte before season’s end.