How a high school growth spurt transformed a shortstop into an MLB star

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Bryan Woo wasn't always a pitcher. Growing up playing shortstop and third base, he was a relatively overlooked prospect until a sudden eight-inch growth spurt in high school changed his trajectory forever. Today, he is one of the most dominant and consistent pitchers in Major League Baseball.

Bryan Woo's ascent to professional baseball is a story of physical transformation and tactical precision. Born in Oakland, California, in 2000, Woo spent much of his youth playing infield positions like shortstop and third base. It was only during high school at Alameda High School that he began pitching regularly, a transition fueled by a significant eight-inch growth spurt that altered his physical profile and potential.

After pitching for the Cal Poly Mustangs and undergoing Tommy John surgery, Woo was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 2021 MLB draft. He has since become a cornerstone of the Mariners' rotation. His 2025 season was particularly remarkable; he was named to the All-Star Game and the All-MLB second team. During that year, he demonstrated elite consistency, pitching at least six innings in his first 25 starts—a franchise record—and maintaining a stretch of allowing no more than two walks, a feat not seen since Cy Young in 1905.

On the mound, Woo relies on a high-velocity approach, throwing a four-seam fastball and a sinker that average 95 miles per hour. He utilizes these pitches roughly 75 percent of the time, a frequency higher than many contemporary starters. Driven by remarkable control, he led all MLB starters in preventing walks during 2024, allowing just 2.6 per cent of batters to reach base via walks. This ability to strike batters out while limiting walks has cemented his reputation as one of the most efficient and valuable pitchers in the league.

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