Top-notch Changeup by Cardinals Prospect Tops Minor League Pitching Rankings
Unleashing the Beast: Tink Hence and His Legendary Circle Changeup
Step aside, minor league baseball, here comes Tink Hence, the Cardinals' whirlwind phenom, sweeping through prospect lists like a tantrum- throwin' tornado! Most recently, this 22-year-old arm candy has been making waves with his sensational circle changeup. One swing, and bam! It's a K.
The Hype: Tink Hence's Circle Changeup Takes Center Stage
The Cardinals snatched up Tink Hence in the 2020 draft's second round, and ever since, he's been swiftly climbing the ranks. But it's not just his top-tier slider or scorching fastball that have everyone's eyes popping. It's that blasted circle changeup that's been turning heads across the league.
From high school pitcher to minor league ace, Hence has been dazzling scouts and fans alike with his deceptive offerings. Initially, Though small in stature at 6'1, Despite some concerns about his frame, Hence's above-average command kept critics at bay.
But it was when Hence ditched his slider for a curveball that things got interesting. He devoted himself to refining his off-speed game, and in 2022, reports started pouring in about a changeup that sat comfortably in the mid-80s, with a feel for the pitch that had hitters swinging and missing at an impressive rate.
The Jump:
The 2023 season saw Hence take a massive leap forward, with scouts praising his changeup even more. In April 2024, he dazzled them with a 70-grade offering, the highest of all his pitches. But despite a promising season, injuries limited his innings, causing some to question whether he'd be better off in a closer role. The Cardinals, however, remain confident in the blossoming star, with plans to give him an opportunity to compete for their fifth starter opening during Spring Training.
The Question Mark:
Injuries have been a constant thorn in Hence's side, with setbacks in 2024 including lat, chest, and shoulder issues. Fans and analysts alike are left wondering if he can handle the workload of a starter. If not, a move to the bullpen could be on the horizon. But for now, Tink Hence is the epitome of a high-risk, high-reward pitcher. With his blazing fastball, refined command, and a circle changeup that's been crowned the best in the minors, the Cardinals are giving the youngster every chance to become a mid- to front-of-the-rotation starter. If injuries continue to derail his progress, though, the Cardinals may find value in him as a closer, too.
[1] Baseball Prospectus #38, Keith Law #39, Baseball America #68, MLB Pipeline #77[2] St. Louis' No. 3 prospect, MLB.com[3] MLB's No. 75 overall prospect, Baseball America[4] Tink Hence injury history and speculation about a bullpen transition, CBS Sports
- Sweeping through prospect lists like a tornado, Tink Hence's circle changeup, a 2023 game-changer, has hitters swinging and missing at an impressive rate.
- In the sports realm of baseball, particularly the MLB, Tink Hence's circle changeup is lauded as the best among minor league prospects.
- Despite concerns about his frame, Tink Hence's above-average command and sensational circle changeup have silenced his critics.
- As the 2023 season progressed, Tink Hence's circle changeup, a fact echoed by Baseball Prospectus, Keith Law, Baseball America, and MLB Pipeline, only solidified his status as a high-risk, high-reward pitcher.
