n the 2024 MLB draft on Sunday evening, the New York Yankees strategically selected University of Alabama pitcher Ben Hess with their 26th overall pick. Known for their skilled drafting, the Yankees have added another promising player to their roster.
Assessing Ben Hess’s Potential and Areas for Improvement
Ben Hess, a 21-year-old right-hander, has significant potential that the Yankees are keen to develop. At 6’5″ and 255 pounds, Hess brings a formidable presence to the mound. Last season, he pitched 68.1 innings, delivering an impressive 106 strikeouts. However, he also showed areas needing improvement, such as his high ERA of 5.80, which included 44 earned runs and 13 home runs, highlighting the need for better control and accuracy.
Yankees’ Development Plan for Hess
The Yankees have a history of successfully nurturing players with great raw abilities who lack some control, making Hess a perfect fit. With a powerful arm and a need for finer command, Hess has the potential to become a significant asset in Major League Baseball if the Yankees can enhance his precision on the mound. As Hess embarks on his professional baseball journey, he faces challenges but also opportunities for growth and advancement.
“Ben checks off a lot of things for us,” stated Damon Oppenheimer, the Yankees’ VP of domestic amateur scouting. “He fits what we are looking for in a potential top-of-the-line Major League starter. Specifically, he’s a big, power right-hander that can throw two breaking balls and can reach up to 97 mph. We think there is even more to come from Ben with our player development program.”
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