Colton Hock Stats & Scouting Report

IP	280
ERA	4.146
WHIP	1.296
BB/9	2.668
SO/9	8.229

Full name Colton Jack Hock
Born 03/15/1996 in Blooomsburg, PA
Profile Ht.: 6'5" / Wt.: 230 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Stanford
Drafted in the 4th round (119th overall) by the Miami Marlins in 2017 (signed for $500,000).

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Hock was part of a stellar Pennsylvania 2014 prep class that also included Brendan McKay (Louisville) and J.J. Matijevic (Arizona), among others. He trained with former big league pitcher Jason Phillips before heading off to Stanford, where he was a preseason All-American this year after a strong summer in the Cape Cod League in 2016. Hock started in the Cape but had made all but two of his 75 appearances at Stanford in relief, with his 15 saves in 2017 ranking second in the country at the end of the regular season. The Cardinal have gone to Hock on back-to-back days or for longer outings, and at times his stuff hasn't been as crisp, often sitting 90-93 with a slurvier breaking ball. But when he's on, he's a physical 6-foot-5, 235-pound power pitcher, touching 96 and sitting 93-96 with a tight curve that flashes plus. His fastball's best attribute is its late, heavy sink. His changeup is a distant third pitch that he rarely uses. Hock has the body to eat innings as a starter and may get that chance in pro ball but otherwise profiles as a middle reliever.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

A standout reliever at Stanford for three years, Hock was the Marlins' fourth-round pick in 2017 and signed with the club for an above-slot $500,000. In college, he recorded a team-best 22 saves and an ERA just above 2.00 over his final two seasons. The Marlins selected Hock with the idea he could become a starter at the pro level, but that transition didn't go as smooth as hoped in 2017, when Hock recorded a 6.75 ERA in 26.2 innings. At his best, Hock's mid-90s fastball features a late, heavy sink and pairs nicely with a tight, potentially plus curveball that gives him a dangerous one-two punch to attack opposing hitters. Improving his third-pitch changeup, which currently flashes fringe-average, would go a long way in boosting Hock's starter profile. Effort in his delivery would suggest a long-term role as a reliever. Hock showed plus control at Stanford, but his control wavered in pro ball with 6.1 walks per nine innings. The Marlins are not giving up on the idea that Hock could still transition into a starter, though he has a fallback option of high-leverage reliever.

Draft Prospects

Hock was part of a stellar Pennsylvania 2014 prep class that also included Brendan McKay (Louisville) and J.J. Matijevic (Arizona), among others. He trained with former big league pitcher Jason Phillips before heading off to Stanford, where he was a preseason All-American this year after a strong summer in the Cape Cod League in 2016. Hock started in the Cape but had made all but two of his 75 appearances at Stanford in relief, with his 15 saves in 2017 ranking second in the country at the end of the regular season. The Cardinal have gone to Hock on back-to-back days or for longer outings, and at times his stuff hasn't been as crisp, often sitting 90-93 with a slurvier breaking ball. But when he's on, he's a physical 6-foot-5, 235-pound power pitcher, touching 96 and sitting 93-96 with a tight curve that flashes plus. His fastball's best attribute is its late, heavy sink. His changeup is a distant third pitch that he rarely uses. Hock has the body to eat innings as a starter and may get that chance in pro ball but otherwise profiles as a middle reliever.
After pitching at 85-88 mph, touching 89 on the showcase circuit last summer, Hock improved considerably over the winter and is a top 10 round talent. He drew significant attention in the early part of the season when he touched 94 mph and sat in the low 90s. As the season has worn on, his velocity has settled in at 88-92, touching higher. His power curveball from a high three-quarters arm slot shows flashes of being at least an average offering. He used a changeup sparingly. The 6-foot-4, 209-pound Hock has an impressive, powerful build to his extra-large frame. Like most Northern pitchers, Hock will need to develop his control, but he shows the makings of strike-throwing ability. His commitment to Stanford will make him a tough sign.

Career Transactions

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp placed RHP Colton Hock on the 60-day injured list.
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp sent RHP Colton Hock on a rehab assignment to Jupiter Hammerheads.
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp placed RHP Colton Hock on the 7-day injured list.
RHP Colton Hock and assigned to Miami Marlins.