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Cincinnati Reds Top Ten Prospects For 2017

By Benjamin Chase

Jul 24, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; A Cincinnati Reds hat on top of third base in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 24, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; A Cincinnati Reds hat on top of third base in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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9. Nick Hanson, RHP

Birthdate: 6/10/98 (18 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: rookie
Stats in 2016: 16 2/3 IP, 9.18 ERA, 2.40 WHIP, 17.24 BB%, 17.24 K%

I’ll be upfront with this one – I’m a fan of cold-weather pitchers. Hanson is from Minnesota, and that also allowed me to get more first-hand information on him than I had on a lot of people in the draft.

After a summer where he showed up very well in the showcase circuit, Hanson returned home to Minnesota, and the big 6’6 righty had an up and down spring, moving him from a possible back-end first round pick to where the Reds nabbed him in the 3rd round.

(Hanson) has the makings of an excellent mid-rotation starter or even a front line guy if it all comes together

Hanson has a fastball that has excellent life, sitting at 91-94, reaching a peak during the summer of 97. His curve was a pitch he could bury off the plate and get swings due to the late break he got on the pitch. While his feel for his change would come and go, when it was on, it was a borderline plus pitch, but that was inconsistent to see at best.

Hanson struggled in his first exposure to pro ball, and that was to be expected, but he has the makings of an excellent mid-rotation starter or even a frontline guy if it all comes together. With three potential plus-level pitches, Hanson is the type of guy that will get every opportunity to start before having to be moved to the bullpen.

Next: #8

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