Jake
Bennett

2022 MLB Draft: Touching 96 on radar guns, the 6-foot-6 Bennett also has some of the sharpest control, walking just 22 batters in 117 IP to go along with 133 strikeouts this season. He repeats an easy delivery with good direction and leverages the ball to the plate which produces consistent 91-94 mph fastballs that he locates to both sides of the plate. His No. 1 shows some tailing life to his armside with some crossfire angle and run into right handed hitters when he goes gloveside. His best secondary offering is an 83-85 mph sinking changeup, but the improvement with the depth of his slider has been the key reason (other than consistent high-level performance and good health) for his draft helium. In two CWS starts that totaled 12.1 IP, he struck out 13 to go along with zero walks. A midseason draft projection to the 4th-5th rounds, Bennett has quickly turned into a prospect that is likely to be selected in the top two rounds.

The Sooner Ace is one of the few left-handers on this season’s Heat Sheet, and the 6-foot-6 Bennett also has some of the sharpest control. Entering Friday’s game against Texas, the left-hander had walked just seven in 37.1 IP. With good direction he repeats an easy delivery and leverages the ball to the plate, producing 91-94 mph fastballs. His No. 1 shows some tailing life to his armside with some crossfire angle and run into right handed hitters when he goes gloveside. His best secondary offering against the Longhorns was a 83-85 mph sinking changeup. He had shown a better slider earlier in the season, but did not on this look as it sat in the mid-80s with fair action. In what was not his best outing of the 2022 season, Bennett took the loss, allowing nine hits in 5.2 IP. But he did attack the strike zone, walking just one and striking out six. At this point he projects to be selected around the 4th-5th rounds this summer, but an improved breaking ball will only elevate that projection.

Cape Cod- Sat 90-93 with his fastball and showed fringe-quality secondaries. He's a pitchability lefty with an extra large build at 6-foot-6, 230-pounds. He's not afraid to attack hitters by pounding the strike zone. His off speed offerings included a tight 81-85 mph slider/cutter. He showed good feel for the pitch with average command. His change-of-pace was firm with below average movement, but he sold it well with good hand speed and was located for strikes.