With the 44th pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, the Rockies have selected RHP Jaden Hill from LSU.
2 (44): @Rockies select LSU (LA) P Jaden Hill. https://t.co/vko43uDvZr #MLBDraft
— MLB Draft Tracker (@MLBDraftTracker) July 12, 2021
He features an unfortunate injury history, but a prospect profile that once touted him as a top-10 pick. Hill made seven starts for LSU in 2021, but his work this year declined to an NCAA-career-high 6.67 ERA and 1.382 WHIP.
In similar fashion to 2020, the Rockies have pursued an NCAA Power 5 starter in the second round. Rockies fans will not get a taste of Hill until next season, however: he is three months removed from Tommy John surgery.
His 2019 season was cut short due to a UCL strain, while 2020 limited everybody’s work due to COVID. Hill has had unfortunate luck due to injury and cancelation, but has established some high draft stock despite the interference. His persistence could prove vital as he makes his Tommy John comeback in 2022.
Hill features a mix of fastballs, sliders and changeups, working his heater as high as 98. His slider has been defined as “hard and tight with depth,” and “thrown with velocity,” which could prove to be favorable at Coors Field down the road.