The New York Yankees might not be leading the league in farm system riches these days, but don’t count them out just yet. Critics may highlight their low rankings among prospect pools, but there’s potential for some hidden gems.
Recent first-round pick Ben Hess from the Alabama Crimson Tide might just be one of those underrated prospects to keep an eye on. The Yankees snagged this right-hander with the No. 26 pick in the 2024 MLB draft, and he wasted no time making a statement in his minor league debut with the High-A Hudson Valley Renegades Wednesday afternoon.
Hess delivered an impressive 4.2 innings, chalking up 65 pitches, surrendering just two hits, walking one, and most impressively, fanning nine batters without giving up a single run. That's the kind of debut that gets the scouts' notepads buzzing.
What a pro debut from @Yankees top pitching prospect Ben Hess with the @HVRenegades!
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 9, 2025
4 2/3 IP
2 H
0 R
1 BB
9 K pic.twitter.com/OSL3K0J2vT
He showcased his arsenal, including a curveball that was downright filthy, snatching up his eighth strikeout to cap off the day.
The eighth K on a rarely-used 75 MPH CB from Ben Hess…started to see it a little bit more second time through the order. pic.twitter.com/J9oH1LygNt
— Mike Ashmore (@mashmore98) April 9, 2025
Before even stepping onto the mound for his debut, Hess was already the Yankees’ No. 4 ranked prospect. If he keeps dealing like this, we might expect him on a Major League mound sooner than his projected 2027 debut.
At just 22, the Illinois native has a long journey ahead, but his skills could be just what the Yankees need as their starting rotation begins to show signs of aging. Hess and fellow 2024 draftee Bryce Cunningham, who also had a solid outing with five innings pitched and two runs allowed, are two names that could be leading the Yankees rotation in the not-too-distant future.
Keep an eye on Hudson Valley's High-A rotation. These young arms are showing promise, and Hess certainly looks like he’s ready to take his shot at the big leagues sooner rather than later.
