Kyle McMullen came to FSU last season after spending two years at Palm Beach State College. The JUCO-transfer quickly inserted himself when he made it to Tallahassee, as he became the favorite to be FSU’s midweek starter after the fall. But McMullen’s 2019 season ended before it even started, as he tore his labrum and received surgery just days before the beginning of the season. The transfer missed the entire season and rehabbed through this fall as he works his way back to full health. Now the redshirt junior will have his first chance to step on the mound at Dick Howser stadium for a regular season game this spring.
McMullen posted a 2.66 ERA in 47.1 innings at Palm Beach in his sophomore season. The right-hander posted a 9.32 K/9, but also struggled with command, as he posted a 4.77 BB/9 on the season. The righty made 14 appearances, all out of the pen in 2018. The righty only allowed 36 hits and posted a 1.30 WHIP on the season.
The redshirt junior possesses a three-pitch mix on the hill. McMullen’s fastball will come in at the 90-92 MPH range with some two-seam action to it. He also throws a tight curveball with 12-6 action. The curve comes in around the low 80’s. The righty also throws a changeup that has pretty good running action on it in the low 80’s. Both off speed pitches look effective and gives him the ability to get righties and lefties out at the dish.
McMullen likely won’t be a starter this year as FSU builds his arm back up after surgery and gives him some light innings to get his rhythm back. The JUCO-transfer will add another talented arm to an extremely deep bullpen. If he can consistently throw strikes, he’ll be a high end contributor to the FSU pen for the next two years.