“New York Yankees’ 2024 first-round pick Ben Hess delivered a standout performance in his initial 2026 spring training appearance, striking out five batters over three innings while showcasing elite swing-and-miss stuff and poise under pressure, signaling strong momentum from his impressive minor league debut season.”
Ben Hess Impresses in Grapefruit League Outing
The New York Yankees’ farm system continues to produce intriguing arms, and right-hander Ben Hess is quickly emerging as one of the most compelling stories early in spring training. The 23-year-old, selected 26th overall in the 2024 MLB Draft out of the University of Alabama, made his Grapefruit League debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates and left observers buzzing with his command, pitch mix, and ability to miss bats.
Pitching in long relief during the Yankees’ victory, Hess tossed three innings, surrendering just one earned run on two hits and two walks. He threw 48 pitches, with 28 going for strikes, demonstrating solid efficiency for an early camp appearance. What truly stood out was his swing-and-miss capability—he generated 11 whiffs across 22 swings, resulting in five strikeouts. This high whiff rate highlights the plus stuff that made him a high draft selection despite some inconsistency in his final college season.
Hess worked primarily with a four-pitch arsenal that already shows major league potential. His fastball sat in the 93-94 mph range, touching up to 96 mph at times, with good induced vertical break that helped him rack up called strikes and weak contact. The pitch averaged around 17 inches of induced vertical break, contributing to a balanced mix of whiffs and strikes in the zone.
Even more impressive was his breaking ball usage. The curveball, sitting in the mid-70s, featured steep two-plane movement with significant horizontal break—averaging about 19 inches—and proved devastating. It generated a remarkable 58-percent whiff rate on swings, including seven empty swings alone. Batters struggled to square it up, whether he threw it for strikes early in counts or buried it low for chase pitches.
Hess complemented these offerings with a low-80s changeup and a sweeping slider, both drawing swings and misses as well. The ability to draw whiffs from all four pitches underscores his potential as a future rotation piece with high strikeout upside.
This performance builds directly on a breakout 2025 minor league campaign, his first full professional season. Across High-A Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset, Hess posted a 3.22 ERA over 103.1 innings, striking out an eye-popping 139 batters while walking 46 for a 3.02 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His WHIP sat at 1.074, reflecting strong command for a power pitcher of his size (6-foot-5, 255 pounds).
At Hudson Valley, he recorded a 3.51 ERA with 94 strikeouts in 66.2 innings. He then excelled upon promotion to Somerset, delivering a 2.70 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 45 strikeouts across 36.2 innings in seven starts. The rapid ascent through the system and the ability to maintain velocity and stuff deeper into outings point to a pitcher who adapted quickly to pro ball.
Key Stats from Hess’ Spring Debut vs. Pirates
Innings Pitched: 3.0
Hits Allowed: 2
Earned Runs: 1
Walks: 2
Strikeouts: 5
Pitches Thrown: 48 (28 strikes)
Whiffs: 11
Fastball Velocity: 93-94 mph (up to 96 mph)
Curveball Whiff Rate: 58%
The outing came in a relief role, but Hess showed no discomfort transitioning from his usual starting duties. He navigated traffic effectively, particularly in the seventh and eighth innings when runners reached base. With runners on in scoring position, he induced weak contact and key strikeouts to limit damage, displaying the composure expected from a top draft pick.
As a non-roster invitee to major league spring training (invited February 5, 2026), Hess is using these opportunities to accelerate his development. The Yankees value his frame, athleticism, and the raw ingredients for a frontline starter. While he likely opens 2026 back at Double-A to build more innings and refine consistency, continued outings like this could push the timeline forward.
Comparisons to other Yankees pitching prospects are inevitable, with names like Carlos Lagrange and Elmer Rodriguez also flashing early in camp. Yet Hess stands out for his combination of size, strikeout ability, and advanced feel for spinning the ball. His curveball, in particular, has drawn praise as a potential wipeout offering.
The early verdict from scouts and team personnel is clear: Hess belongs in the conversation as a rising talent with Top 100 upside. If he maintains health and builds on this momentum through minor league assignments, a late-season call-up or even a push for a 2027 rotation spot isn’t out of the question.
For now, the focus remains on development, but performances like Monday’s debut remind everyone why the Yankees invested a first-round pick in him. The big righty is proving he can handle big moments, even in the low-stakes environment of spring training.
Disclaimer: This is a news report based on observed performances and prospect evaluations. It is not investment, betting, or fantasy advice.