On
12-5-24, MLB.com posted their top 100 prospects in the upcoming draft.
Beginning 2-2-25, we will post it in backward order, ending with the pick for
1.1
https://www.mlb.com/prospects/2025/draft/ -
#77 Josh Hammond RHP/3B, Wesleyan Christian
(NC)
18/yrs
old 6' 1" 205
COMMITTED - Wake
Forest
Scouting
grades: Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 45
| Overall: 45
Scouting
grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 45 | Arm: 65 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45
The son
of High Point coach Joey Hammond, Josh is a two-way player reminiscent of
fellow North Carolina prep product Nolan McLean, who went on to play both ways
at Oklahoma State before signing with the Mets as a third-rounder in 2023. The
consensus was that Hammond was better on the mound and he focused mainly on
pitching with the U.S. 18-and-under team last summer, but now scouts aren't so
sure. Some thought he was the most impressive hitter at the Prep Baseball
Report All-American Game in September after he won MVP honors at the 2023
event.
At his
best, Hammond showcases a plus fastball and slider along with a solid changeup.
His heater sits at 92-94 mph and touches 96 with a flat approach angle and
carry, his slider deals in the low 80s with depth, his cambio can tumble with
similar velocity and he also has a decent upper-70s curveball. He has some
effort in his delivery and inconsistent control, so he may be a reliever in the
long run.
Hammond's
raw power stands out more than his pure hitting ability from the right side of
the plate, though he did make better swing decisions later in the summer. The
Wake Forest recruit projects as a fringy runner who will probably have to move
off shortstop, though he has more than enough arm strength for third base. The
biggest knock on him is that he's physically maxed out and there may not be
much more upside remaining in his game.
1-27-25 - Just Baseball –
2025 MLB Draft - Top 80 High School Prospects
https://www.justbaseball.com/college/mlb-draft-top-high-school-prep-prospects/
18. Josh Hammond – RHP
HT/WT: 6’1/215 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Wesleyan Christian
Academy (NC) | Commitment: Wake Forest | Age: 18.9
The son of High Point skipper Joey Hammond, Josh burst onto
the scene as an arm after a loud showing during the 2023 summer circuit.
While the command itself is a work in progress and will need
refinement, he has the makings of a true power pitcher. He has a very strong
lower half down the mound, as well as extremely quick arm speed and fluidity
down the mound.
The low-90s heater has touched 96 MPH in the past calendar
year, coming in like a bowling ball and boring in on right-handed hitters.
He’ll change the shape slightly and add more riding life, plus there’s
exceptionally high spin rates on the pitch.
However, it’s the low-80s slider that has the most upside.
It’s a beast of a pitch, featuring nasty sweep and bite that has left hitters
floundering on occasion.
There’s a good chance that the pitch becomes a plus offering
at the end of the day. The CH has heavy fade and there’s feel to throw strikes,
too. He’ll need to iron out the inconsistent command, which seems to revolve
around his pre-pitch turn out of the windup.
Hammond also has tools at the plate, including impressive
juice in the stick. He is committed to attending Wake Forest.
8/4/24 - B/R
- 2025 Mock Draft
1.22 - Minnesota
Twins: Josh Hammond, RHP, Westchester Country Day HS (North Carolina)
https://www.perfectgame.org/Players/PlayerProfile.aspx?ID=790574
–
2024
National Showcase
Josh
Hammond is a 2025 RHP/3B with a 6-1 215 lb. frame from High Point, NC who
attends Wesleyan Christian Academy. Large, athletic frame with broad shoulders
and a strong, physical build throughout. Primary right-handed pitcher, begins
delivery with a leg lift up above the belt; athleticism plays in delivery,
plenty of arm speed through the backside. Fastball topped out at 95 mph and
lived in the 92-94 range, ball jumps out of hand with some life through the
zone. Slider is best secondary offering, sharp life up to it up to 84 mph and
landed for strikes while being thrown with conviction. Showed changeup up to 84
mph with upwards of 16 inches of horizontal movement; more sweeping life to the
curveball at 80 mph, distinct difference in shape/life from slider. Plays low
to the ground in the dirt, softness to hands and picks backhand cleanly, quick
transfer into accurate throws across the diamond, big arm. Right-handed hitter,
wide base with an even stance in the box, utilizes a leg lift trigger for
timing. Plus bat speed through the zone and incorporates physical strength
well, hard impact off of the barrel, creates lift and can drive to the pull
side gap. Can incorporate additional lift but combo of bat speed/strength will
play at the next level. Excellent student. Verbal commitment to Wake Forest.
Team
Navy’s Josh Hammond, a right-handed pitcher, did not disappoint in his first
outing at the National Training Complex on Wednesday, providing a boost for his
team on both sides of the ball. On the mound, Hammond displayed his strong arm
by collecting four strikeouts in two innings of no-hit work. Later in the game
he continued his impressive performance, but this time swinging the bat as he
plated two runs on a double to secure his crew a 3-3 tie to kick off Training
Camp.
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