Nick
Hoffmann

Cape Cod: Sported a below-average fastball in the upper 80s but folded in a low-80s changeup and 79-80 mph slider with diverging action (in each case more horizontal than vertical), which helped limit hard contact in his three outings (in addition to issuing no free passes in his ten innings of work this summer). He did go five in his lone start – a five inning outing against Cotuit at the end of the regular season – showing some feel and enough wiles to navigate a lineup twice through.

Clemson recruit, currently ranked No. 15 in Ohio’s 2019 class. 6-foot-2, athletic frame with proportional strength and room for continued physical development. Threw a perfect game at the PBR Midwest Select with eight strikeouts in the victory. Pounded the strike zone with his 88-91 mph fastball, and mixed in a 73-75 breaking ball. Fastball plays mostly true, but gets up on hitters thanks to his excellent extension, which ranged between 6’10’’-7’3’’; most fastballs had a perceived velocity 1-2 mph faster than the actual velocity (which is rare for high school pitchers), per Trackman data. His final pitch of the game of his perfecto was a 90-mph strikeout. Delivery is athletic and on-line. Deep takeaway in the back with a slight wrap; has the arm speed to get it up and out. Fast hand out front.

The 6-foot-2, 175-pound Clemson recruit was one of the youngest players in attendance - but you wouldn’t have known. The last time that we saw him, Hoffmann was in the low 80’s at the Southern Ohio Prospect Games. Since that time, his stock jumped and he quickly followed with a commitment to Clemson. There were reports of the young righty sitting in the upper 80’s this fall, and it is was easy to see why after Preseason All-State. On this occasion, he sat 85-87 mph with command to both sides of the plate. His arm speed is quick and he gets downhill with his fastball. His breaking ball looks more like a cutter at 75-76 mph and his changeup is thrown with good arm speed at 73-76 mph.

6-foot-1, 170-pound projectable frame. One of the top prospects on the mound in the 2019 class. Throws downhill with good direction to the plate. Loose back arm action into a high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 82-84 mph. Curveball sat 67-70 mph with sharp break on a 11/5 plane. Changeup sat 74-75 mph. Still developing feel for the pitch.

5/31/16
6-foot-1, 170-pound projectable frame. Earned a top prospect games invitation with his performance. Very talented 2019 right handed pitcher. On the mound, he shows good rhythm in his delivery that requires some effort. Throws downhill with good direction to the plate. Loose arm action into a high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 80-85 mph. Curveball has 10/4 tilt at 65-70 mph. Changeup sat 73-77 mph. A strong, athletic kid that showed off above average batspeed through the zone. An ambush type hitter that uses very little load before his aggressive stride forward. Would like to see him gather his weight before transferring into contact. In the outfield he has solid footwork with a very strong arm for his age. Would like to see him quicken up his transfer.

1/18/16
6-foot-1,160-pound righty with a projectable frame. On the mound he is extremely polished for his age. Throws from a high 3/4 arm slot with long arm action. Has quickness in his arm. Good direction to his delivery and throws downhill. Showed the ability to use his fastball to both sides of the plate at 79-81 mph. His 11/5 curveball had big break and late life. Changeup may have been his best pitch with late sink and run. At the plate he used a simple approach to stay level through the zone. Goes with an easy hands back loads with a short stride. Would like to see him get his lower half more involved. Exit velocity was 80 mph with more left in the tank. From the outfield he showed fluid actions with good finish on his throws. Displayed loose arm action from a high-3/4 slot to produce a top velocity of 80 mph to home plate with good carry and accuracy. Ran a 7.78 60-yard dash.