Yankees prospect Ben Hess making a positive impression with his 'pitchability'

"Really good. I think Carlos and even Elmer have gotten a lot of headlines, but Benny's right there with them. What's impressed me about him is his pitchability. He's behind the count, he can land a breaking ball. He's got two different breaking balls that are really good pitches for him. He's a big, physical guy, has the starter righty profile."

"Early in the year, he was throwing too many slow, loopy curveballs. He ditched that after the All-Star break and went to a harder breaking ball. He became much more aggressive and pitched much more like a professional. He's a big, strong guy, thick frame. Reminds me of [former big-leaguer] Lance Lynn. Needs more consistency, but for his first full season, it was good."

Ben Hess, a 23-year-old right-handed pitcher drafted by the Yankees in the first round of 2024, has received less attention than fellow prospects Elmer Rodriguez and Carlos Lagrange despite showing significant potential. Standing 6-5 and weighing 255 pounds, Hess posted a 7-4 record with a 3.22 ERA across 22 starts between High-A and Double-A last season. Manager Aaron Boone praised his pitchability, ability to throw two quality breaking balls, and professional demeanor. Scouts noted steady improvement throughout the season, particularly after the All-Star break when he abandoned loopy curveballs for a harder breaking ball and more aggressive approach. While not a power pitcher like Lagrange, Hess projects as a durable innings-eater with a legitimate starter profile.

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