The New York Yankees have signed Ben Hess, a right-handed pitcher from the University of Alabama, who was their first-round pick in this year’s MLB Draft
Hess, 21, accepted a $2,747,500 bonus, which is below the slot value of $3,332,900 for the 26th overall pick. Damon Oppenheimer, the Yankees’ vice president of domestic amateur scouting, praised Hess’s impressive repertoire, which includes a fastball reaching 98 mph, a plus curveball, slider, and an above-average changeup.
The Yankees also signed Bryce Cunningham, another right-hander, from Vanderbilt University. Cunningham, picked 53rd overall, received a $2,297,500 bonus, above his slot value of $1,721,200. As a junior, Cunningham recorded a 7-4 record with a 4.36 ERA over 16 starts, striking out 96 batters in 84 2/3 innings.
Hess, ranked as the No. 44 prospect by MLB Pipeline, battled injuries early in his collegiate career but showed promise with a 13.34 K/9.0 inning ratio, the highest in Alabama’s history. Despite some concerns about his durability, Hess impressed scouts with his performance in his junior year, striking out 106 batters over 68 1/3 innings.
Cunningham, 21, showed potential as a consistent starter in his junior year, holding opponents to a .220 average. Oppenheimer expressed confidence in the Yankees’ ability to develop these pitchers further, aiming to enhance their skills and prepare them for major league competition.
The Yankees also signed several other top picks, including Thatcher Hurd, Gage Ziehl, and Greysen Carter, as part of their strategy to bolster their pitching depth.
