Behind rookie sluggers, Yankees nurturing two ace flamethrowers

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While Spencer Jones and George Lombard Jr. have dominated headlines throughout Yankees’ spring training, Saturday’s Spring Breakout contest against Baltimore may have unveiled something equally significant for the organization’s future. As prospects showcased their talents, two pitchers commanded particular attention—Ben Hess and Bryce Cunningham—potentially signaling the arrival of legitimate rotation anchors within the Yankees’ farm system.

These right-handed hurlers, both selected in the 2024 MLB Draft, made relief appearances during Saturday’s exhibition. Hess, the Yankees’ first-round selection, impressed with three strikeouts across two innings while allowing just one earned run. Cunningham, taken in the second round, handled the ninth inning but couldn’t preserve a one-run advantage, surrendering two runs in Baltimore’s dramatic 5-4 walk-off victory.

Despite the outcome, their performances generated excitement throughout the Yankees’ player development staff and attracted industry-wide notice.

Ben Hess: Frontline starter material

• Position: RHP
• Age: 22
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 255 lbs
• Drafted: 1st round, 26th overall (2024 MLB Draft) | Alabama
• Ranked: Yankees’ No. 1 pitching prospect (MLB Pipeline, Baseball America)

Ben Hess has rapidly established himself as the crown jewel of the Yankees’ pitching development program, drawing comparisons to elite starting pitchers. His combination of physical tools, power arsenal, and competitive fire have evaluators projecting top-of-rotation potential.

“His ceiling is a top-of-the-rotation starter,” Yankees Director of Pitching Sam Briend told NJ Advance Media. “Physically, he’s maturing. Mentally, he’s learning the game more. With the weapons he has, he’s a guy you look at as a future No. 1 or No. 2.”

Hess consistently works in the 95-98 mph range with his fastball, complemented by a devastating curveball and developing changeup that plays off his velocity. The organization has also helped him incorporate a slider, aiming to complete his arsenal for major league success.

Rather than rushing his development, Hess remains focused on refinement and execution over rapid advancement.

“I go at hitters,” Hess explained. “I’ve got a good fastball, so I’m never afraid to use it. I wouldn’t say I’m trying to paint the corners. I’m just going right at guys.”

The organization’s primary developmental focus for Hess centers on pitch sequencing and strategic approach—elements that differentiate raw power pitchers from legitimate aces. While his natural ability dominated the collegiate competition, the Yankees aim to develop the nuanced aspects of his craft, particularly against more selective professional hitters.

“He is the definition of a first-rounder when he’s at his best,” Briend added. “Now, it’s about refining his approach and using that overpowering stuff effectively.”

Hess will likely begin 2025 at High-A Hudson Valley or Double-A Somerset, with the potential for multiple promotions if his development progresses as anticipated.

Bryce Cunningham: Competitive edge with premium arsenal

• Position: RHP
• Age: 22
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 230 lbs
• Drafted: 2nd round, 53rd overall (2024 MLB Draft) | Vanderbilt
• Ranked: Yankees’ No. 5 prospect (Baseball America), No. 6 (MLB Pipeline)

While Hess garners more attention, Bryce Cunningham represents another significant pitching talent with substantial upside. His blend of physical presence, velocity, and competitive temperament has evaluators equally enthusiastic about his potential impact.

Cunningham’s fastball consistently registers between 94-95 mph, occasionally touching 97 mph. Combined with his attack-minded approach and command profile, he embodies the Yankees’ pitching philosophy.

“Bryce is just a typical SEC competitor,” Yankees prospect Spencer Jones, a former Vanderbilt teammate, said. “He’s gonna come after you. He’s gonna throw all his pitches for strikes.”

Like Hess, Cunningham needs to enhance his consistency and secondary offerings, but the organization values his mentality and ceiling.

Briend observed that Cunningham possesses plus stuff and an aggressive approach in the zone, adding that the focus now is finding the optimal way to deploy those weapons effectively.

Though his outing against Baltimore ended disappointingly, it provided valuable experience. The organization specifically monitors how prospects handle pressure situations, and despite the outcome, Cunningham displayed his capabilities in a showcase environment.

Development timeline for both prospects

Both pitchers project to begin the 2025 campaign in the lower levels of New York’s minor league system, though accelerated advancement remains possible.

Hess appears positioned for a faster trajectory toward becoming a rotation cornerstone. With dominant early performances, he could reach Triple-A by season’s end.

Cunningham faces a slightly longer developmental path, but his SEC pedigree and aggressive approach position him as another legitimate rotation candidate.

The Yankees have struggled to develop homegrown starting pitching, making Hess and Cunningham central figures in the organization’s talent pipeline.

Looking ahead: Yankees’ rotation reinforcements

With Gerrit Cole sidelined throughout the 2025 season, the Yankees’ starting depth concerns have been magnified. While Ben Hess and Bryce Cunningham won’t contribute immediately, their Spring Breakout performances suggest something the organization has lacked for years—legitimate frontline starters developing within their system.

Should their progression continue at the current pace, the next wave of Yankees’ pitching dominance could materialize sooner than expected.

For a franchise that has historically struggled to produce homegrown rotation talent, Hess and Cunningham represent a potential developmental breakthrough—one that could reshape the Yankees’ competitive outlook for seasons to come.

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