Hunter
Hoopes

VA/DC Scout Blog 3/13/18

Hoopes has a lanky frame and a quick arm. During this game, he worked four innings and about 70 pitches. His fastball was consistently 84-86, touching 87 once in the first. Held his velocity through his whole outing and only dropped down to 84 when in the stretch. Pitch had some late run to it, movement played up when down in the zone. Feel of curveball was off, slowed arm to spin it, pitch was 63-65. Shape shows promise, but needs to throw with harder to tighten it up. Threw almost exclusively fastballs, needs to develop confidence in secondary pitches. Chance to have a professional career if he can develop feel for an out pitch.

PBR Mid-Atlantic ProCase 2/10/18

Hoopes has been one of the better stories of 2017, where one year ago the lanky right-hander was sitting 81-84 at our Underclass preview. We knew that eventually the velo was going to match the arm speed, and that was the case early this summer where Hoopes was pitching up to 87, then touching 89 at our top prospect games, and then this weekend at the ProCase topped out at 91. I still don't think this kid is done gaining velo. I would personally like to see his offspeed at a higher velocity than it currently is, but Hoopes will be one to follow to see how much more he can gain and especially as he adds to his frame.

6.27.17:  Hoopes is 6-1 with a lanky projectable frame, throws from a three-quarters arm slot with a smooth delivery. Long, loose arm action that is lightning quick, generates velocity with normal effort. Shoulders are uphill and closed, lands slightly closed with an athletic finish. Fastball sat 85-88, touching 89 with late run and good downward angle. Curveball had hard, sharp 11/5 break and some armspeed, running 64-67. Change-up had sink and some armspeed at 74.

2.18.17:  Hoopes is 6-1 with a lanky frame, throws from a low three-quarters arm slot with a drop and drive delivery. Long, quick arm action with normal effort. Shoulders are level and closed, lands closed and finishes with a slight fall off. Fastball was 81-84 with some late run. Curveball had sharp 11/5 break and was 62-64 with some armspeed. Change-up had some armspeed and fade to it, running 72-75. At the plate, hits from the right side with an open stance, short stride on line, smooth load back with a wrap. Some hip explosion and balance to swing, longer swing path, works uphill with extension through the ball. Pull approach, line drive swing with an exit velocity of 76. In outfield, gets behind ball well and plays through it, clean exchange. Throws from a low three-quarters arm slot with a long, quick arm action, outfield velocity was 89. Ran a 7.09 60.

5.22.16:  Hoopes stands a lanky 6-0 tall with a projectable frame. He throws from a three-quarters arm slot with a drop and drive delivery. Long, loose arm action that is quick and generates velocity with normal effort. Shoulders are level and closed and he lands closed before an athletic finish. Fastball had late run, sitting 81-82 and touching 84. Sharp 11/5 curveball that he slowed his arm a bit on, running 62-63. Good armspeed on a change-up that ran and was 70-73. He hits from a wide stance with bent knees. His hands are back in stance and load with a slight front arm bar. He showed an exit velocity of 73 out of a long one handed finish.  From the outfield, Hoopes showed a plus arm at a positional velocity of 87. The ball came out quick and had carry and life as he played through it attacking the ball aggressively.