Yankees scouting head makes frank admission over Hess, pitcher-heavy draft

In the 2024 MLB Draft, the New York Yankees heavily favored college pitchers, selecting 13 out of their 20 picks from this category, including their first seven selections. Yankees scouting director Damon Oppenheimer explained that this focus on pitchers was a result of how the draft unfolded this year.

The Yankees’ pitching-centric approach began with their first-round pick, Ben Hess from the University of Alabama, followed by Vanderbilt’s Bryce Cunningham at 53rd overall. Oppenheimer noted that throughout the draft, they saw opportunities to acquire power arms and continued to pursue that strategy.

“Obviously, we’ve used some pitching talent as currency to get other players, so that is always in the back of your mind and it’s just the way things fell this year,’’ he said. “Just throughout the whole draft, it seemed like we had a chance at some power arms,’’ Oppenheimer said. “So, we just kept plugging away with those.’’

However, he also admitted that the Yankees could have chosen position players early on, the draft simply didn’t unfold that way this year.

“It really could have been a couple of position players at the beginning, it just didn’t fall that way.’’

Initially, the Yankees held the 16th pick, but it was pushed back 10 spots due to luxury tax penalties. Despite MLB Pipeline ranking Ben Hess 44th among the top 100 prospects, the Yankees’ front office clearly saw untapped potential that their minor league coaching staff could cultivate.

Out of their 20 selections, 19 were college players, with only one high school player, outfielder Cole Royer, chosen in the 20th round. Oppenheimer acknowledged that the team’s recent trades for players like Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo, which cost them several young pitchers, influenced their draft strategy.

Yankees scouting head rebuts Ben Hess criticism

The New York Yankees surprised many on the opening day of the 2024 MLB Draft by selecting right-handed pitcher Ben Hess as their first-round pick, 26th overall. This selection was unexpected, as Hess was projected to be chosen later in the draft.

At 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, Hess boasts an impressive arsenal, featuring a mid-90s fastball that can touch 99 mph, complemented by a slider, curveball, and changeup. His strikeout prowess was evident when he set the Alabama single-season record for K/9 (14.0) in 2024. However, his final season ERA of 5.80 was a step back from his 3.22 ERA in seven starts in 2023.

Edward Sutelan of Sporting News gave the selection a C grade, noting the surprise of Hess’s first-round selection. Sutelan acknowledged Hess’s upside with his velocity and slider but also highlighted concerns about his injury history and control issues. He suggested that while Hess’s large frame and powerful repertoire offer more potential than typical college arms, they also come with increased risk.

Fan reaction was mixed, with many questioning the choice given the availability of highly-rated position players. Social media buzzed with discontent over the selection.

Despite the skepticism, the 21-year-old Hess has the potential to silence his critics and become a standout pitcher for the Yankees. His ability to stay healthy throughout the 2024 season, following injury-plagued early college years, is encouraging. Furthermore, the Yankees’ strong track record of pitcher development under pitching coach Matt Blake could prove beneficial for Hess’s future in the Bronx.

Regarding their first-round pick, Hess, Oppenheimer revealed that the Yankees had been scouting him for a considerable time. He praised Hess’s three-pitch arsenal, which includes a fastball reaching 98 mph, a plus curveball, a slider, and an improving changeup.

“We’ve been scouting Ben for quite some time. When he’s been really good, it’s been three pitches that are just dynamite – fastball up to 98 (mph), a now-plus curveball, a now-slider, and a changeup that’s developed at times to where it’s above average.’’

Despite Hess’ impressive strikeout numbers (106 in 68.1 innings), his junior season saw an increase in control issues and a high 5.80 ERA. Oppenheimer confirmed that Hess’s recent medical evaluation was positive, despite a history that includes a flexor strain in 2023.

Oppenheimer expressed confidence in the Yankees’ pitching development staff and their advanced equipment in Tampa, suggesting they could enhance these pitchers’ abilities and accelerate their path to the majors. He emphasized that these types of prospects are favored by the player development team.

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