Pitching prospect Alex Hoppe will turn heads in Spring Training
Every Spring Training, there seems to be at least one Boston Red Sox prospect who creates buzz for himself. They will get all the fans talking for several different reasons. It could be eye-popping plays or maybe just a solid overall performance.
We've seen it recently with players like Ceddanne Rafaela and Ryan Fitzgerald. In 2024, there are a few intriguing candidates to take the baton and run with it.
Stephen Scott and Nathan Hickey have a chance to prove they can help behind the plate this season. Nick Yorke and Chase Meidroth will be making cases to start the year in Triple-A. Nick Sogard can showcase his talents and why he's a great option as utility depth. Corey Rosier's speed will open eyes, while his defense and bat open doors.
On the pitching side, Luis Gurrero gets to start making his argument for being the future closer.
However, one name that's stuck out as a potential breakout star is Alex Hoppe.
Hoppe has all the tools to become a bright star and a fan favorite. He's not the most well-known prospect, which will add some intrigue for the fans. Not knowing much about the player means the fans' first impression of Hoppe will be a 6'1", 200 lb man with a military-grade weapon for an arm.
The right-handed reliever possesses a fastball in the high 90s that reaches 100 MPH. His slider is devastating (if not inconsistent). When he has control of it, the sharp-sweeping pitch (in the mid-80s) is a perfect compliment to his fastball.
Hoppe posted a 4.10 ERA, .271 BAA, and 1.43 WHIP in 43 appearances between High-A and Double-A last season. The now 25-year-old struck out 64 batters compared to 17 walks in 48 1/3 innings. He went 2-5 with six holds and five saves (in eight opportunities).
The strikeouts are fun, but I don't blame you if the other numbers aren't blowing you away.
In these situations, it's important to remember that stats don't tell the entire story. That statement is especially true in the minor leagues and even more so for relief pitchers.
In three outings (April 25, August 5, and August 27), Hoppe allowed a combined 12 earned runs on 13 hits and two walks over two total innings. He surrendered just 10 earned runs in the other 46 1/3 innings.
Take out those three outings, and for the rest of the season, Hoppe posted a 1.94 ERA and a 1.165 WHIP.
Alex Hoppe is hidden in the Red Sox system thanks to his position as a relief pitcher. It doesn't help him that Boston boasts Guerrero and fan-favorite Christopher Troye as pitching prospects out of the bullpen, either.
However, Spring Training is the perfect opportunity for fans of the Boston Red Sox to get acquainted with the flamethrower who shares a hometown with Seth Rollins (Davenport, Iowa).
If given the chance, we'll see a steady diet of radar-breaking fastballs and plenty of strikeouts.
So like Seth Rollins would say: He is a visionary, he is a revolutionary, he is Alex Freakin' Hoppe. Now, hit his music.
Follow Hunter on Twitter @Hunter_Noll.
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