With the 26th pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, the Yankees RHP selected from Alabama Ben Hess.
Hess holds the program record for strikeouts per nine innings at 13.34 with a 205 strikeout ratio in 138.1 IP.
The 6-foot-5, 255-pounder from Charleston, Illinois, went 12-6 with a 4.81 ERA in 138.1 IP over 33 games (30 starts) from 2022-24.
As a junior with the Crimson Tide during the 2024 season, Hess went 5-5 while pitching to a 5.80 ERA in 68.1 IP over 15 starts. He rounded out his production with 106 strikeouts against 35 walks.
In his second season, the 2023 campaign, he went 4-0 with a 3.22 ERA while striking out 49 and walking eight in 36.1 IP over seven starts.
Hess debuted as a freshman with a 4.54 ERA in 33.2 innings pitched over 11 games (eight starts). He closed out his first spring by striking out 50 and issuing 19 walks.
