UGA Standout Emerson Hancock Selected by Mariners in First Round

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2020 MLB Draft Scouting Report: LHP Emerson Hancock

TEAM: Seattle Mariners (Round: 1.6)

Here's what you need to know about Emerson Hancock:

At one point, in the not-too-distant past, Hancock was considered to be a top-overall draft pick for 2020. With the emergence of Asa Lacy from Texas A&M and Hancock's rough-ish 2020 shortened season, Hancock has dropped out of the top spot.

Outside of the aforementioned Lacy (a hugh-upside lefty), Hancock is still at the top of the lot in terms of draftable pitchers in 2020. He's considered by most to be the best right-handed hurler. Hancock's numbers were better in 2019, and then again better against stiff SEC competition than at other times which could lead you to believe that he pitches up to his competition and never got a chance to truly show that in 2020.

With the sixth overall pick in the 2020 draft, Hancock was taken by the Seattle Mariners.

Measurables: 6’4”/213
School: Georgia Bulldogs
Career Stats: 33 Starts; 192 IP; 3.47 ERA; 1.07 WHIP; 206 strikeouts and 55 walks
Accolades: Named a Second Team All-American by Baseball America, Collegiate Baseball, D1Baseball.com, NCBWA and Perfect Game/Rawlings plus a Third Team All-American by the ABCA
Strengths:

  • High-spin fastball that should have upside in professional baseball.
  • Mid 90s fastball than can touch 99 MPH.
  • Great command over his fastball.
  • A big-time athlete with control over his mechanics and body.

Weaknesses:

  • Lack of an above average breaking pitch.
  • Needs to develop a true out pitch.
  • Didn’t throw change up much his last year at Georgia.
  • Less-than-stellar 2020 shortened season made question arise.

Expert scout analysis:

  • "I see more of a No. 3 or 4 starter given the delivery and lack of an average breaking ball." -- Keith Law, The Athletic
  • "Hancock’s fastball ranges from 93-97, though some evaluators question the underlying quality of the pitch, wondering if it has the riding life and swing-and-miss qualities you’d like to see from a frontline starter. It’s possible a lower arm slot leads to some of those concerns." -- Carlos Collazo of Baseball America
  • "His best offering is a fastball that sits at 94-97 mph and peaks at 99 with riding life, and all three of his secondary pitches grade as at least plus at their best." -- MLB.com

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