Prospect Profile: Brenan Hanifee
Number ten on the Baltimore Orioles preseason top 30 porspects list is Brenan Hanifee. He moves up five spots after finishing last season at number 15. Hanifee comes in ahead of Aussie pitcher, Alex Wells, who was profiled earlier.
The Orioles selected Hanifee in the fourth round of the 2016 draft out of Turner Ashby High School in Virginia. Hanifee had committed to East Carolina University, but opted to sign for the Orioles.
Due to a back injury, Hanifee missed the entire 2016 season and made his pro debut with the Aberdeen IronBirds in 2017. The 19-year old performed well in his first season. He lead the team in wins with seven and innings pitched with 68.2. He carried an ERA of 2.75 striking out 44 and walking 12. Hanifee made 12 starts in 2017, eight of which were quality starts.
MLB.com Analysis:
Hanifee can bump 94 mph with his heavy fastball but usually sits in the 88-92 mph range. He knows how to use his height to create plane to the plate, while the nearly 58 percent ground-ball rate he posted in 2017 speaks to the overall effectiveness of his sinker. A low-80s slider that flashes above average and fringy changeup comprises Hanifee’s secondary arsenal, and everything he throws plays up on account of his advanced pitchability and command.
Scouts believe Hanifee’s velocity will tick up as he adds strength to his lean, 6-foot-5 frame. His smooth delivery and clean arm action lend credence to that thought, giving the young righty a solid foundation to start long term. It’s a likely No. 4- or 5-starter profile at maturity, though Hanifee could very well surpass that projection with improved velocity and better feel for his secondaries.
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 55 | Overall: 45
MLB ETA: 2020
