In the 2024 MLB draft held on Sunday evening, the New York Yankees made a strategic move by selecting University of Alabama pitcher Ben Hess with their 26th overall pick. The Yankees, known for their drafting acumen, have added another promising player to their roster.
Assessing Hess’s Potential and Areas for Improvement With the Yankees
Ben Hess, a 21-year-old right-hander, has shown significant potential that the Yankees are eager to develop. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 255 pounds, Hess brings an impressive physical presence to the mound. Over the past season, he pitched 68.1 innings, delivering a remarkable 106 strikeouts, but also revealed areas needing refinement, such as his high ERA of 5.80. His performance last season included 44 earned runs and 13 home runs, underscoring the need for improved control and accuracy.
Yankees’ Plan for Developing Hess
The Yanks have historically succeeded in nurturing players who possess great raw abilities but may lack some control. Hess fits this profile perfectly, combining a powerful arm with the need for finer command. If the Yankees can enhance Hess’s precision on the mound, he has the potential to become a significant asset in Major League Baseball. As Hess begins his journey in professional baseball, the path ahead is undoubtedly challenging but filled with opportunities for growth and advancement.
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“Ben checks off a lot of things for us,” Damon Oppenheimer, the Yankees’ VP of domestic amateur scouting, said in a statement. “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.”