The University of Alabama is renowned for its football legacy, with 432 players drafted into the NFL. However, the university has also made a significant mark on Major League Baseball, producing 312 players, 155 of whom were selected through the MLB amateur draft, which began in 1965. Among these, only five Alabama players have been chosen in the first round. Most recently, Ben Hess, a right-handed pitcher, became the second-highest draft pick in Alabama history when the New York Yankees selected him 26th overall in 2024.
Now, a fresh trade idea by Sporting News reporter Jackson Roberts suggests the Yankees might trade Hess to strengthen their infield, following Gleyber Torres’ departure to the Detroit Tigers in free agency.
Proposed Trade Sends Top Draft Pick to Tampa Bay
Roberts’ trade pitch proposes sending Hess and infielder Jorbit Vivas, an eight-year minor leaguer, to the Tampa Bay Rays. In return, the Yankees would acquire Brandon Lowe, a versatile second baseman who has also played first base and corner outfield positions during his seven-year stint with Tampa Bay.
Lowe, 30, has two years remaining on his six-year, $24 million contract. Although injury-prone, Lowe’s market value is estimated at $80 million over four years by sports business site SpoTrac. The Yankees, however, would only be responsible for $10.5 million in 2025, with a club option for 2026 at $11.5 million, giving them flexibility to retain or release him.
This trade aligns with the financial priorities of both teams. The cost-conscious Rays would shed Lowe’s $10.5 million salary, while the Yankees would gain an affordable replacement for Torres.
Lowe: A Healthy and Affordable Option for New York
“When healthy, Lowe has consistently delivered. Since 2020, he has posted an .808 OPS/126 OPS+, including a 39-homer season during his 2021 All-Star campaign,” Roberts wrote. Additionally, Hess could become “an ideal Rays pitching lab project,” and Vivas, known for his strong hitting and positional versatility, would fit the Rays’ team dynamic.
Hess’s Potential in Tampa Bay’s Development Program
Hess, a 6’5”, 255-pound right-hander, was a top high school prospect in Illinois in 2021 but opted to pitch for Alabama. Although injuries hampered his early college career, he excelled in his final season, showcasing a fastball clocking between 92-96 mph and topping out at 99 mph. MLB.com’s scouting report highlights his potential as a No. 2 starter but notes his need to refine control, a challenge Tampa Bay’s pitching program would likely embrace.
This trade offers mutual benefits: Tampa Bay gains promising talent in Hess and Vivas, while the Yankees secure an economical and capable infielder in Lowe.
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