Dating back to last year, Oklahoma right-hander Alec Hansen was regarded as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 MLB First-Year Player Draft. However, Hansen’s draft stock took a major hit this spring.
A 6-foot-7, 235-pound hurler, Hansen missed fall ball with a forearm injury, lost his rotation spot after a miserable start to the 2016 season and has likely dropped out of consideration of being a first round selection.
While Hansen says he’s healthy, he has struggled to produce this season. In nine games (six starts), he’s registered a 6.58 ERA with a 0-4 record, 38 strikeouts and 24 walks in 26 innings of work.
Hansen has a solid fastball, which sits between 94-98 mph, and a devastating slider, while his changeup is still a work in progress.
While Hansen has a high ceiling and the tools to be a talented starting pitcher, he’s struggled with consistency and to remain healthy during his time at Oklahoma.
Hansen is a boom or bust prospect. Although, he has the potential to be a starting pitcher at the major league level, he has struggled to prove that during his college career. He will still be an early round selection in June’s draft, but his chances of being a first round pick are slim.
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