Cooper Hjerpe

The data darling of the 2022 MLB Draft on the pitching side, Hjerpe's fastball sits in the low-90s, touching 95 mph, but the extreme vertical approach angle from his sidearm delivery allows his fastball to play up as a plus pitch. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound southpaw from Oregon State registered a 2.53 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 161:23 K:BB in 103.1 innings as a junior. The Cardinals grabbed him with the 22nd overall pick and gave him full slot money. Most pitchers gain a tick or two of velocity in pro ball, so Hjerpe's fastball should remain a dominant weapon thanks partially to his excellent command. As with most starters with a low arm slot, the big question is how his secondaries will develop. He throws a couple breaking balls and a changeup, but none of them are thrown harder than around 80 mph. Even so, his sweeping slider performed like a plus pitch in college. Hjerpe did not pitch after getting drafted, but he could be one of the best pitchers from this class and could move quickly. Read Past Outlooks