Blog 2

Blog #2: Brandon Clarke Shines in Professional Debut

@blizzflicks on Instagram

Brandon Clarke Shines in Professional Debut

By Rhys McKnight

April 11, 2025 | Salem, VA

SALEM- Brandon Clarke was a 2024 draftee selected in the fifth round of the draft by the Boston Red Sox. Before the draft, he played for the State College of Florida, where he appeared in 14 games, compiling a record of 6 wins and 2 losses, along with 107 strikeouts. He was drafted during the summer of 2024 but did not make his professional debut until this season. Coming out of spring training, Clarke was assigned to the Salem Red Sox, the Single-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. He made his debut on Thursday night, which also fell on his birthday. The lefty started the game against the Fredericksburg Nationals, located just under two hours from his hometown of Leesburg, Virginia. He pitched for 4 innings, allowing no hits or walks while recording 5 strikeouts.

"It was a great experience to have the blessed opportunity to get out there and pitch for my first professional outing," he told WeTalkSox. "Hearing my name called on the intercom was a surreal experience." Clarke is currently ranked in the Top 30 prospect rankings by MLB Pipeline and SoxProspects.com. He is expected to have a great season, and this first outing is a sign of that. The Red Sox organization is filled with great pitching talent, and when asked about his great performance in his debut, Clarke said, "It's a testament to the way the Lord has worked in my life, and to the strong support system and staff here with Boston." You can expect a great season from Brandon Clarke and many more outings like his first.