Pirates' Seth Hernandez Shines in the MLB Futures Game: A Pitching Masterclass
The MLB Futures Game, a showcase of the league's top up-and-coming talent, recently took place, and it was a pitching extravaganza. Among the standout performers, Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Seth Hernandez stood out as a true standout. With a perfect 14-pitch inning, Hernandez showcased his versatility and potential as a top-tier starter.
What makes Hernandez's performance even more impressive is his age. At just 20 years old, he has already demonstrated the makings of a dominant pitcher. His fastball, consistently clocked at 99-101 mph, is a force to be reckoned with. But it's his changeup that truly sets him apart. With a velocity of 87-88 mph, it's not just a changeup; it's an 80 changeup on the 20-80 scouting scale, a rare and valuable skill.
Hernandez's performance against Baltimore Orioles prospect Ike Irish was a testament to his control and precision. He struck out Irish with 99 pitches, showcasing his ability to keep batters off-balance. The young pitcher's performance against Kansas City Royals prospect Blake Mitchell was equally impressive, as he used a well-placed changeup to overcome the batter, who had been thrown three straight fastballs.
In my opinion, Hernandez's performance raises an important question: is he on track to become a top-of-the-rotation starter? His ability to command multiple pitches and his young age suggest a bright future. However, it's worth noting that injuries could potentially derail his progress.
Another standout performer was Seattle Mariners right-hander Ryan Sloan, who demonstrated a diverse pitching arsenal. His four-seam fastball sat at 97-100 mph, and he showed a two-seamer at 95 mph, along with a kick-change, sweeper, and cutter. Sloan's sweeper, usually his best pitch, was on full display, but he did hang one to San Francisco Giants prospect Dakota Jordan, who turned it into a double down the left field line.
The game also featured some impressive power displays. Tampa Bay Rays catcher Nathan Flewelling was named MVP for hitting the only home run of the game. His ability to turn on a 96 mph pitch and launch it to right field at 95 mph is a testament to his talent. Flewelling's teammate, Theo Gillen, also showed off his plus speed, robbing a groundball hit by Milwaukee Brewers prospect Jesús Made.
The game also showcased the talent of other prospects, such as Blue Jays infielder JoJo Parker, who nearly homered off a 101 mph pitch, settling for a hard-hit double. Brewers infielders Luis Peña and Jesús Made also stood out, with Peña making an outstanding catch and showing outstanding bat speed, and Made hitting a hard-hit groundout at 106.9 mph.
While the game was dominated by pitchers, there were some notable performances by hitters. Padres prospect Ethan Salas and Cleveland Guardians first baseman Ralphy Velazquez both got hits, with Salas' hit leaving the bat at 104.4 mph off a 94 mph pitch. However, it's important to note that the game's high pitch velocities often result in less notable performances by hitters.
In conclusion, the MLB Futures Game was a showcase of the league's top prospects, and Seth Hernandez's performance was a highlight. His ability to command multiple pitches and his young age make him a pitcher to watch. As the game continues to evolve, it's exciting to see the talent that emerges and the potential for future stars to shine.
