New York Yankees Secure 2024 Draft Picks Ben Hess and Bryce Cunningham
The New York Yankees have bolstered their pitching roster by drafting right-handed pitchers Ben Hess and Bryce Cunningham. Hess was chosen 26th overall in the first round, while Cunningham was selected 53rd in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft. Although it may take some time before fans see these promising talents on the mound at Yankee Stadium, both players have the potential to enhance the team's pitching staff in the years to come.
Who Is Ben Hess?
Ben Hess, a 21-year-old from the University of Alabama, was picked in the first round of the draft. Over his collegiate career, Hess recorded a 4.81 ERA with a win-loss record of 12-6. In his 2024 season, he posted a 5-5 record with an ERA of 5.80. Despite concerns regarding injuries, Hess demonstrated his capability by striking out 106 batters in the 2024 season, ranking him eighth in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for strikeouts.
Hess holds the Alabama career record for strikeouts per nine innings at 13.34 and limited opposing hitters to a .234 batting average this season. Notably, Hess is the first pitcher to be selected in the first round by the Yankees since Clarke Schmidt in 2017.
Who Is Bryce Cunningham?
Bryce Cunningham, also 21, was drafted in the second round out of Vanderbilt University. His draft position in the second round does not reflect his abilities, as he concluded his college career with a 4.95 ERA and an 11-8 win-loss record. Cunningham had a total of 168 strikeouts during his career, with 96 of those occurring in the 2024 season. He showcased his talent with a complete-game shutout against Mississippi, threw six shutout innings in a victory over Florida during the first round of the 2024 SEC Tournament, and pitched eight innings, striking out 11 while allowing just one run and no walks in a win against Illinois State.
It is safe to say that Cunningham possesses the potential to have a successful career and, with appropriate development, could pose a significant threat to the rest of the league in the future.
New York Yankees Bolster Farm With Pitching
Hess signed with the Yankees for a below-slot bonus of $2,747,500, while Cunningham received a bonus of $2,297,500. On paper, both pitchers show potential. For now, Yankees fans remain hopeful for the future as they await the emergence of these two pitchers as key components of the Yankees' starting lineup in the coming years.
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