Ben
Hughes

8/10/13
5-foot-11, 175-pound two-way prospect. Athleticism gives him the play ability to do several things at the next level. On the mound, he shows the ability to throw multiple pitches for strikes and keep hitters off balance. He sat 83-85 mph with arm side run through a high ¾ arm slot. Breaking ball shows late 12/6 action with good depth at 68-71 mph. Also shows an effective cut fastball at 81 mph that provides hitters a different look. Change up is thrown near fastball arm speed with good differential at 75 mph. From the outfield, he uses long arm action through a high ¾ arm slot. Reached top velocity of 85 mph with accuracy on his throws. Plays through the baseball. Natural actions. Likely a corner type. Also showed well at third base with good reactions and some softness in his hands. Reached a top exit velocity of 82 mph across the infield. At the plate, he uses a balanced, athletic approach. Short stride with little wasted movement. Squared the ball up using a wood bat. Showed good bat speed. Line drive type hitter with pop in his swing. Registered top exit velocity of 84 mph. Ran a 4.35 out of the box.

2/24/13
The 5-foot-11, 160-pound righty shows the ability to hit spots and change speeds. He showed command of four pitches, including a changeup, curveball, and cutter. He uses a quick tempo and repeatability delivery. Throws through a high ¾ arm slot with quick arm action. Fastball shows good sink at 82-84 mph along with a 79-80 mph cut fastball that showed some good late life. His breaking ball serves as an effective out pitch at 68-70 mph with good 11/5 break and depth. His changeup is thrown near fastball arm speed and shows similar movement to his fastball at 76-77 mph. Shows good athleticism in the field as well. Potentially a third baseman or second baseman type. Ran a 7.27 60. Uses short arm action and quick release. Reached top velocity of 82 mph across the infield. Needs to continuing improving footwork. Tendency to get flat. Continues to make good strides at the plate. Starts with wide, slightly open stance. Utilizes leg kick trigger, which creates some timing issues. Shows quick bat speed through the zone (87 mph exit velocity off the tee).

Hughes is an undersized, athletic prospect and definite follow in the Class of 2014. Right now, he shows command of three pitches and likely projects as a pitcher at the next level. On the mound, he uses a 3/4 arm slot and short, quick arm action to generate an 80-82 mph fastball. He shows excellent command of curveball, which as a sharp, 12/6 break and sits around 69-70 mph. Finally, his 74-76 changeup, which shows is thrown near his fastball’s arm speed. In the field, he tends to be flat footed and doesn’t play through the baseball. Across the infield, he shows a top velocity of 78 mph. At the plate, the right-handed hitter shows a long path to the ball, which hinders his bat speed and power.