Newcomers To Keep An Eye On: Dakota Hudson and Connor Jones, RHPs
Birthdate: Hudson – 9/15/94, Jones – 10/10/94 (both 22 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: Hudson – rookie/high-A, Jones – rookie/short season A
Stats in 2016: Hudson – 13 1/3 IP, 0.68 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 12.07 BB%, 32.76 K%; Jones – 14 2/3 IP, 3.68 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 5 BB%, 18.33 K%
I combine Jones and Hudson because they fit together so well in the methodology the Cardinals use in acquiring players like these two.
While not the same pitcher by any means, Hudson and Jones were both highly-regarded college starters coming into the 2016 season with some buzz about each figuring at the end of the top 10 of the draft.
With the Cardinals having multiple picks early due to competitive balance picks and compensation picks for losing free agents, they were set up well to get some big pieces, so getting two falling college starters really fits the Cardinals mold.
Hudson is more of the upside pitcher, with a big plus fastball and plus slider/cutter combination while also throwing a curve and change that rate as above-average.
Hudson has a bit of effort in his delivery that leads some to believe he’ll end up in the bullpen and struggle to sustain consistency deep into games, which is why the Cardinals were able to get him with the 34th overall selection.
Jones fell all the way to the 2nd round with a plus fastball, fringe-plus slider, average curve, and average change pitch mix after being the ace of the College World Series champs his sophomore year.
Many felt Jones was more of a high-floor guy without much projection, but he is a sinker/slider type that could project well in the middle of a rotation and eat innings.
These are the types of guys that slip down boards and end up producing well in the Cardinals system, so it should be interesting to track how each does going forward.
Next: Mariners Top 10 Prospects
Agree? Disagree? Someone you have a question about from the system? Leave a comment down below!