Kansas City Royals: Ben Hernandez is young, high-ceiling pitcher
By Cody Rickman
With the 41st overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, the Kansas City Royals selected high school pitcher Ben Hernandez out of De La Salle Institute (Chicago).
The Kansas City Royals continued to make selections on Thursday as the 2020 MLB Draft continued. Their first pick on Day 2 was 41st overall and they continued to add arms, which has seemingly been a theme for them over recent years.
Ben Hernandez is a 6’2”, 205 pound, 18-year-old, right-handed pitcher featuring a “Bugs Bunny” type change-up. His change-up rates as the best in the high school class for the 2020 draft.
Hernandez tunnels the change-up well with a 90-95 mph fastball that has sinking movement. His third pitch is a mid-70s mph curveball that is still developing and could be an above average offering when Hernandez finds more confidence in the pitch.
According to the scouting report on mlb.com;
"“The best pitcher in the inaugural Prospect Development Pipeline League, Hernandez spun six hitless innings over three outings while permitting just one walk and fanning seven. He also excelled at the Under Armour All-America Game, striking out the side in a perfect ninth inning. Part of a De La Salle Institute (Chicago) program that has produced four big leaguers, including outfielder/Hall of Fame umpire Jocko Conlan, he has committed to Illinois-Chicago and will be eligible for the 2022 Draft as a sophomore if he attends college."
I am really impressed with Hernandez’ mechanics. His mechanics don’t require much effort to generate velocity. He finishes downhill and transfers his momentum through the finish. He is able to disguise his pitches well repeating his arm speed.
The change-up really jumps out at you with nasty fading movement. The velocity differential between the change-up and the fastball is more than 10 mph which puts his change-up into elite territory.
Hernandez scouting grades conservatively project him to be number four type starter (4.00 FIP). He needs to be more consistent with his release mechanics on his breaking ball and when he physically matures, he will add more velocity to his fastball.
Hernandez has a high ceiling with his above average fastball and plus-plus change-up. He has the potential to exceed his projection and be closer to a number three type starter (3.30 FIP).
Hernandez will slot just outside of the Royals top 10 prospects immediately after signing. He will need some time to develop and could make a debut in the majors around 2024.
Who else will join the Royals in the 2020 MLB Draft?