2023 Cleveland Guardians prospect scouting report: #35 RHP Ethan Hankins
Will Cleveland's 2018 pick be healthy and be able to show off the power stuff he showcased as an amateur?
Background, Build and Delivery
Ethan Hankins was selected by Cleveland in the Competitive Balance Round A portion (35th overall) of the 2018 draft. After briefly pitching in Complex League ball following the draft, Hankins began his affiliate journey in 2019, as he pitched 60 innings split between Low-A and A ball. Hankins then reportedly impressed at the prospect alternate site during the 2020 COVID season. He then had Tommy John surgery in early 2021 which sidelined him for the 2021 and 2022 seasons, with the exception of one rehab inning in late ’22. Hankins has a dream power pitcher’s frame at 6’6” 200 and throws from a three-quarters slot.
What Hankins Does Well
When healthy, Hankins has always displayed excellent stuff. As a teenager he was able to consistently sit in the mid-90s with a four seamer that has plus raw spin (>2500 rpm) that results in good horizontal and vertical movement. Reportedly, he has displayed similar fastball characteristics in 2023 spring training. He has also a pair of good breaking pitches in his sharp mid-80s slider and vertical curveball. Hankins has also improved his circle changeup, a pitch he rarely threw in high school, and it can sit in the upper 80s with drop and some fade (Source: https://blogs.fangraphs.com/a-conversation-with-cleveland-indians-pitching-prospect-ethan-hankins/ and some 2019 video)
What Hankins Needs to Improve
In 2019, Hankins was often erratic with his fastball command and struggled with repeating his delivery. With so few game reps under his belt, staying healthy and reacquainting himself with throwing competitive innings will be key for Hankins in 2023.
Intangibles
After appearing a bit heavy in 2019, Hankins worked hard to improve his physique and was reportedly in excellent shape at the alternate site in 2020 and during 2021 spring training.
Future
Hankins will begin the 2023 season either at Lake County or Akron. Given his injury history, the Guardians will likely be very conservative with Hankins’s innings total. The goal for him will be to display his electric stuff along with improved command and earn his way onto the 40 man roster. Unlike Cody Morris who has similarly dealt with injury problems, Hankins is only 22 and not yet on the 40 man, therefore giving him an extended timeline to prove he can be an MLB starter.
Role - 40 - High variance boom or bust mid rotation starter
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