The Yankees have officially signed their first-round draft pick, Alabama pitcher Ben Hess, securing the promising right-hander for a notable sum under the expected slot value.
How much is Ben Hess going to cost?
Hess, chosen 26th overall, inked a deal worth $2,747,500, as reported by Baseball America’s Carlos Collazo. This is significantly lower than the slot value of $3,332,900, indicating a strategic move by the Yankees to manage their draft budget efficiently.
Hess had an intriguing career at Alabama, posting a 4.81 ERA over 33 games (30 starts) and setting the school record for strikeouts per nine innings (13.34). Despite a challenging season with a 5.80 ERA over 15 starts and battling injuries, including a stress fracture in his back and a flexor strain in 2023, the Yankees saw immense potential in his diverse pitching arsenal.
“We’ve been scouting Ben for quite some time,” said Yankees vice president of domestic amateur scouting Damon Oppenheimer. “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.”
In addition to Hess, the Yankees have signed several other picks, including second-rounder Bryce Cunningham from Vanderbilt. Cunningham posted a 4.36 ERA over 16 starts in 2024 and shows potential with a fastball reaching up to 99 mph, a strong changeup, and an improving slider.
The Yankees’ draft strategy highlights their focus on securing high-potential pitchers while managing financial flexibility, a move that could pay off in the long term.
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OK, good they now signed 17 if their 20 picks. Too bad that all these pitchers won’t see the mound for real until next year. Talk about S-T-U-P-I-D.