The Yankees officially signed their first-round draft pick, Alabama product Ben Hess.
The team used the 26th overall pick on the righty. According to Baseball America’s Carlos Collazo, Hess signed for $2,747,500, a sum notably under slot value ($3,332,900).
Hess had an interesting career for the Crimson Tide, recording a 4.81 ERA over 33 games (30 starts) while setting the school record for K/9 (13.34). He struggled this season, posting a 5.80 ERA over 15 starts despite striking out 106 batters over 68.1 innings.
The 21-year-old has also battled injuries, including a stress fracture in his back during high school and a flexor strain in 2023.
MLB Draft: Yankees select Alabama RHP Ben Hess with their 1st round pick at No. 26.
Hess struck out 106 batters in 68 innings and has the most K’s per 9 innings in Alabama history with 13.3. He has topped out at 99 MPH and slider in the mid 80’s. pic.twitter.com/Is9COFpE7A
— Dugout Station (@DugoutStation) July 15, 2024
Despite the health concerns and some lackluster numbers, the Yankees felt Hess was worth a first-round pick. His expanded arsenal had a lot to do with that.
“We’ve been scouting Ben for quite some time,” Yankees vice president of domestic amateur scouting Damon Oppenheimer recently said. “When he’s been really good, it’s been three pitches that are just dynamite. I mean, fastball up to 98 [mph]. A now-plus curveball and slider. And a changeup that’s developed at times to where it’s above average.
“When we can target guys that have two breaking balls to go along with velocity, it gives us a chance to get ourselves power starters.”
A look at the #Yankees‘ 20 draft picks: pic.twitter.com/7XObxwGoXR
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) July 16, 2024
In addition to signing a bunch of their other 20 picks, the Yankees also inked second-rounder Bryce Cunningham.
The righty out of Vanderbilt had a 4.36 ERA over 16 starts in 2024.
“We love Bryce because he’s another pick that could have top-end starter potential and has already been tested in the SEC,” Oppenheimer said in a statement after the selection. “He’s a quality pitcher and a powerful right-hander with a big fastball that can reach up to 99 [mph], a good changeup, and a slider that continues to improve. Bryce has continued to get better, and credit to him on what he has done on his own, his performance in the Cape Cod Baseball League, and the support he received at Vanderbilt.”
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