2014 MLB draft prospects rankings: nos. 10-6

9. Jeff Hoffman, East Carolina, RHP, 6′ 4″, 195 lbs.

Hoffman has dominated in some outings this past season, but there were those that were unimpressive as well. some dominant outings, and he was in the mix to go No. 1 overall to the Astros. Hoffman missed a pair of starts in late April – early May. It was later announced that Hoffman would require Tommy John surgery, thus ending his season.

To that point, Hoffman was only 3-3, but the ERA was a respectable 2.94 ERA, and he crafted a 1.084 WHIP. In 67.1 innings, Hoffman struck out 72 (9.6 SO/9).

Strange thing is that Hoffman could still go in the top half of the first round. Or maybe it’s not so strange.I do have him in my top 10. If not for the TJS, he’d border on my 5. That’s how good I think Hoffman can be.

When you have a mid 90’s fastball that can threaten triple digits, it’s usually a plus pitch. Toss in curve that averages 80 with legit 12-6 action screams plus, maybe even plus-plus, offering. References to Adam Wainwright have been made regarding Hoffman’s curve. And a low 80’s changeup that was improving. It’s an average pitch at worst, but it can certainly be an above average pitch.

Hoffman has a boatload of upside and maybe the time recovering from TJS will see him put a few pounds and add some lean muscle to his frame.

This video is from a game where East Carolina defeated Rice, 3-2. Hoffman went 8 innings, allowing 7 hots and only 1 run. In fact, the Pirates took 2 of 3 from the Owls in this series. And Rice will be hosting a regional in the College World Series.