MLB: Five Under the Radar Pitching Prospects to Watch

By David Hill | Sep 12, 2017

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: A detailed view of practice baseballs in a basket during batting practice prior to game five of the American League Championship Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Cleveland Indians at Rogers Centre on October 19, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Alec Hansen: Chicago White Sox

When one thinks of a strikeout pitcher in the Chicago White Sox farm system, one immediately thinks of Michael Kopech. However, it was Alec Hansen who led the minor leagues in strikeouts this past season.

A second round draft choice in 2016, Hansen made his way up to the South Atlantic League last season. He struck out 81 batters in his 54.2 innings in 2016, showing that incredible swing and miss stuff that would normally make him the top pitching prospect in most organizations. However, with the acquisitions of Kopech and Lucas Giolito, Hansen was a forgotten commodity.

This season may have changed that. Again, Hansen rocketed through the system, reaching the AA level. Along the way, he posted a solid 11-8 record with a 2.80 ERA and a 1.167 WHiP. In his 141.1 innings, Hansen allowed 114 hits and 51 walks, striking out 191 batters.

It may not be outside the realm of possibility for Hansen to appear on an MLB mound sometime in 2018. With his improved command, and high octane fastball, Hansen would be a prospect to keep an eye on. Add in his developing slider and curve, and he could well develop into a top of the rotation arm.

Alec Hansen will likely rise up the White Sox rankings this offseason. His dominant performance could well make him a name to remember in the coming years.

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