Yankees take Alabama pitcher Ben Hess with 26th pick in MLB draft

With the 26th pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, the New York Yankees selected Ben Hess, a right-handed pitcher from Alabama.

Hess was once considered the top draft prospect available out of the state of Illinois before his stock fell due to injuries, which included a stress fracture in his back and a flexor strain in 2023.

He's a hard-throwing hurler with a four-pitch mix.

Bio

Age: 21
Position: RHP
Height/Weight: 6-5, 255 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
School: Alabama
Pick value (26th): $$3,332,900

Tools

• 60-grade fastball (touches 99)
• 60-grade slider, acts more like a cutter

Why fans will love this player

• Strong, durable frame
• Lance Lynn comparisons
• No. 2 starter upside

Things he'll need to overcome

• Injury prone
• Control issues, walk rate tripled this year
• Needs to develop a better third pitch

Take a look ...

(Video source: Kyler Peterson)