11/10/22

2024 Draft Prospect - RHP - Ben Hess

 

https://www.prospectslive.com/prospects-live/2022/1/15/2023-mlb-draft-prospects-fn7a2-afbw9?s=03  

7. Ben Hess

Right-Handed Pitcher, Alabama 

A decorated midweek starter for the Crimson Tide as a true freshman, Hess features a unique high-spin fastball with both impressive ride through the zone and arm-side bore. As a freshman he threw it close to 50 percent of the time, a metric that should tick back as he develops. Either way, it's a potential plus pitch as a pro, already brushing 97 in-game. Hess is comfortable throwing an average slider, though most believe it's his big, banger curveball that will ultimately be his true weapon. A big, slurvy bender, Hess throws the curve 83-85 mph with intent and snap. As he learns to command and pitch backwards with the pitch, it projects plus as a swing-and-miss offering. The changeup is probably his third-best pitch with significant fading action into righties. Hess may elect to ditch the slider as he develops, or work to craft it into a solid average fourth offering. This is an arm with the potential for three plus pitches if it all breaks right. Top of the rotation upside.

 

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