Ethan Hankins

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #19 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: Hankins was one of the stars of the showcase circuit in the summer of 2017 and was considered the best prep player in the draft class going into the spring. A minor shoulder injury caused him to slide on draft day and Cleveland was happy to select him with the final pick of the first round. After spending the 2020 season at the alternate site, he was sidelined in 2021 due to Tommy John surgery.
  
  Scouting Report: Hankins has a long, lean frame and uncommon athleticism for a pitcher of his size. When he’s healthy, he could run his fastball up to 97 mph and typically sat in the mid 90s with plus life. He has the makings of quality secondary pitches, but they’ll need to become more consistent. His slider and changeup both have the ability to be above-average. He also throws a bigger curveball, though it lags behind his other pitches. Hankins controls his arsenal well, but it will be important for him to maintain his delivery as he grows into his large frame.
  
  The Future: Between Cleveland’s cautious approach with prep pitchers, the pandemic and, now, his injury, Hankins has thrown just 63 innings in pro ball. He turns 22 in May and should be able to get back to action soon after. He still has tremendous upside, but simply needs innings to help him realize it.
• 
  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #10 prospect in 2021
  Fastball: 60. Slider: 55. Changeup: 50. Control: 50.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Hankins was considered arguably the top high school player in the 2018 draft class before a shoulder injury cost him most of his senior season. The Indians drafted him with the final pick of the first round. After cautiously introducing him to pro ball, the Indians let him loose in 2019. He posted a 2.55 ERA in 60 innings between short-season Mahoning Valley and low Class A Lake County. He pitched at the alternate training site in 2020.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Hankins has a long, lean, 6-foot-6 frame and uncommon athleticism for a pitcher his size. His fastball typically sits in the mid 90s and can run up to 97 mph with plus life. Hankins has the makings of quality secondary pitches, but they’ll need to become more consistent offerings. His slider and changeup both have the ability to be above-average offerings and he also throws a bigger curveball, though it lags behind his other pitches. Hankins controls his arsenal well, but it will be important for him to maintain his delivery as he grows into his large frame.
  
  THE FUTURE: Hankins’ impressive first season was a reminder of his enormous upside. He and Daniel Espino make for an impressive 1-2 punch the Indians hope will stick together all the way to the majors.
• 
  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #8 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: The Indians were thrilled to draft Hankins with the final pick of the first round in 2018. Following his performance the previous summer and fall, he had been considered the best prep player in the draft class but a minor shoulder injury in the spring caused him to slide on draft day. After introducing him to pro ball, the Indians eased back on the leash during his first full pro season and in August sent him to low Class A Lake County.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Hankins has a long, lean frame and uncommon athleticism for a pitcher of his size. At his best, he ran his fastball up to 97 mph and typically sits in the mid 90s with plus life. He has the makings of quality secondary pitches, but they'll need to become more consistent offerings.His slider and changeup both have the ability to be above-average offerings and he also throws a bigger curveball, though it lags behind his other pitches. Hankins controls his arsenal well, but it will be important for him to maintain his delivery as he grows into his large frame.
  
  THE FUTURE: Hankins' impressive first full season was a reminder of just how big his upside can be. He's set to start back with Lake Countym where he and Daniel Espino will make for an impressive 1-2 punch that the Indians hope will stick together all the way to the big leagues.
• 
  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #10 prospect in 2019
  Track Record: Following Hankins' performance on the showcase circuit during the summer and a stellar showing for USA Baseball in the 18U World Cup, Hankins was considered the best prep player in the 2018 draft class. But he suffered a shoulder injury in February and while he returned to the mound before the draft, his stuff was not as crisp as it had been. That led Hankins to slide to the last pick of the first round.
  
  Scouting Report: Hankins has a long, lean frame and uncommon athleticism for a pitcher of his size. At his best, he runs his fastball up to 97 mph and typically sits in the mid-90s with plus life. He has the makings of quality secondary pitches, but they'll need to become more consistent offerings. His slider and changeup both have the ability to be above-average, and he also throws a bigger curveball, though it lags behind his other pitches. Hankins controls his arsenal well, but it will be important for him to maintain his delivery as he grows into his large frame.
  
  The Future: The Indians are confident Hankins' shoulder issues are behind him. If he's able to get back to the level he showed in 2017, he has high-end upside. He'll likely start 2019 with short-season Mahoning Valley.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #18 prospect in 2018 draft
  Perhaps the most perplexing player in the 2018 draft class, Hankins entered the year with a real shot to become the first prep righthander ever selected with the No. 1 overall pick. The lanky and athletic 6-foot-6 Vanderbilt commit wowed scouts over the summer, when he regularly used a 70-grade fastball in the low to mid-90s that got up to 97-98 mph at its best with elite life and advanced command for his age. Before Hankins began his senior season with Forsyth Central High (Cumming, Ga.), many evaluators expected Hankins to throw into the triple digits. A shoulder injury interrupted his season, however, and while he made his way back to the mound the stuff was not the same. During the showcase circuit with USA Baseball's 18U National Team, Hankins struck out 27 international batters and walked three in 12 innings. In general, Hankins' velocity has been down this spring, although he has still reached 96 mph and scouts have still seen some of the plus fastball life that made the pitch such a weapon in the past. Prior to the season, scouting directors voted Hankins as having the best fastball and best fastball movement in BA's Preseason All-America poll, where he also was named a unanimous first-team pitcher. Hankins has exceptional athleticism and body control, allowing him to spot his fastball and secondary offerings more effectively than a typical prep pitcher at his height and with his velocity. His mid-70s curveball has been inconsistent, likely a fringe offering at its best, though he occasionally snapped off a few plus offerings, with a low-80s changeup that's in the same boat. Hankins has tinkered with a slider in the past and multiple evaluators believe that will be the breaking ball he ends up developing in the future thanks to his arm slot. But for now, teams are still evaluating and projecting his curveball as well. Hankins' medical will be crucial in determining his eventual landing spot in the draft, though when he first went down in February, some decision-makers thought he would still go in the top of the first round even if he never came back to throw another pitch. He has returned to the mound, however, and while the stuff hasn't come all the way back, he's at least showing teams he can throw regularly. When healthy, Hankins has the potential to be a true frontline starter and would rank as the top high school pitcher in the 2018 class, but his spring has created more questions than answers.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked New York-Penn League #9 prospect in 2019
  Hankins made just nine appearances with Mahoning Valley, but he was so thoroughly dominant that he earned a promotion to low Class A Lake County. While he didn’t eclipse five innings in any one start, he was unscored upon in five of his nine outings. Hankins’ fastball stuck out the most to managers around the league. He throws the pitch in the mid-90s with good life and is able to command it for strikes. He can spin a solid slider with some sweeping action to get swings and misses, while also featuring a curveball with sizable break. Hankins also throws a firm changeup but made strides as the season went along. Hankins is still raw, but executives point to his sheer strength and plus arm speed as positives. His physicality and big arm should help him further develop his secondary offerings.

• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: Hankins was one of the stars of the showcase circuit in the summer of 2017 and was considered the best prep player in the draft class going into the spring. A minor shoulder injury caused him to slide on draft day and Cleveland was happy to select him with the final pick of the first round. After spending the 2020 season at the alternate site, he was sidelined in 2021 due to Tommy John surgery.
  
  Scouting Report: Hankins has a long, lean frame and uncommon athleticism for a pitcher of his size. When he’s healthy, he could run his fastball up to 97 mph and typically sat in the mid 90s with plus life. He has the makings of quality secondary pitches, but they’ll need to become more consistent. His slider and changeup both have the ability to be above-average. He also throws a bigger curveball, though it lags behind his other pitches. Hankins controls his arsenal well, but it will be important for him to maintain his delivery as he grows into his large frame.
  
  The Future: Between Cleveland’s cautious approach with prep pitchers, the pandemic and, now, his injury, Hankins has thrown just 63 innings in pro ball. He turns 22 in May and should be able to get back to action soon after. He still has tremendous upside, but simply needs innings to help him realize it.
• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  Fastball: 60. Slider: 55. Changeup: 50. Control: 50.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Hankins was considered arguably the top high school player in the 2018 draft class before a shoulder injury cost him most of his senior season. The Indians drafted him with the final pick of the first round. After cautiously introducing him to pro ball, the Indians let him loose in 2019. He posted a 2.55 ERA in 60 innings between short-season Mahoning Valley and low Class A Lake County. He pitched at the alternate training site in 2020.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Hankins has a long, lean, 6-foot-6 frame and uncommon athleticism for a pitcher his size. His fastball typically sits in the mid 90s and can run up to 97 mph with plus life. Hankins has the makings of quality secondary pitches, but they'll need to become more consistent offerings. His slider and changeup both have the ability to be above-average offerings and he also throws a bigger curveball, though it lags behind his other pitches. Hankins controls his arsenal well, but it will be important for him to maintain his delivery as he grows into his large frame.
  
  THE FUTURE: Hankins' impressive first season was a reminder of his enormous upside. He and Daniel Espino make for an impressive 1-2 punch the Indians hope will stick together all the way to the majors.
• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  Fastball: 60. Slider: 55. Changeup: 50. Control: 50.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Hankins was considered arguably the top high school player in the 2018 draft class before a shoulder injury cost him most of his senior season. The Indians drafted him with the final pick of the first round. After cautiously introducing him to pro ball, the Indians let him loose in 2019. He posted a 2.55 ERA in 60 innings between short-season Mahoning Valley and low Class A Lake County. He pitched at the alternate training site in 2020.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Hankins has a long, lean, 6-foot-6 frame and uncommon athleticism for a pitcher his size. His fastball typically sits in the mid 90s and can run up to 97 mph with plus life. Hankins has the makings of quality secondary pitches, but they’ll need to become more consistent offerings. His slider and changeup both have the ability to be above-average offerings and he also throws a bigger curveball, though it lags behind his other pitches. Hankins controls his arsenal well, but it will be important for him to maintain his delivery as he grows into his large frame.
  
  THE FUTURE: Hankins’ impressive first season was a reminder of his enormous upside. He and Daniel Espino make for an impressive 1-2 punch the Indians hope will stick together all the way to the majors.
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  Fastball: 60. Slider: 55. Changeup: 50. Control: 50.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Hankins was considered arguably the top high school player in the 2018 draft class before a shoulder injury cost him most of his senior season. The Indians drafted him with the final pick of the first round. After cautiously introducing him to pro ball, the Indians let him loose in 2019. He posted a 2.55 ERA in 60 innings between short-season Mahoning Valley and low Class A Lake County. He pitched at the alternate training site in 2020.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Hankins has a long, lean, 6-foot-6 frame and uncommon athleticism for a pitcher his size. His fastball typically sits in the mid 90s and can run up to 97 mph with plus life. Hankins has the makings of quality secondary pitches, but they’ll need to become more consistent offerings. His slider and changeup both have the ability to be above-average offerings and he also throws a bigger curveball, though it lags behind his other pitches. Hankins controls his arsenal well, but it will be important for him to maintain his delivery as he grows into his large frame.
  
  THE FUTURE: Hankins’ impressive first season was a reminder of his enormous upside. He and Daniel Espino make for an impressive 1-2 punch the Indians hope will stick together all the way to the majors.
• July, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The Indians were thrilled to draft Hankins with the final pick of the first round in 2018. Following his performance the previous summer and fall, he had been considered the best prep player in the draft class but a minor shoulder injury in the spring caused him to slide on draft day. After introducing him to pro ball, the Indians eased back on the leash during his first full pro season and in August sent him to low Class A Lake County.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Hankins has a long, lean frame and uncommon athleticism for a pitcher of his size. At his best, he ran his fastball up to 97 mph and typically sits in the mid 90s with plus life. He has the makings of quality secondary pitches, but they’ll need to become more consistent offerings.His slider and changeup both have the ability to be above-average offerings and he also throws a bigger curveball, though it lags behind his other pitches. Hankins controls his arsenal well, but it will be important for him to maintain his delivery as he grows into his large frame.
  
  THE FUTURE: Hankins’ impressive first full season was a reminder of just how big his upside can be. He’s set to start back with Lake Countym where he and Daniel Espino will make for an impressive 1-2 punch that the Indians hope will stick together all the way to the big leagues.
• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The Indians were thrilled to draft Hankins with the final pick of the first round in 2018. Following his performance the previous summer and fall, he had been considered the best prep player in the draft class but a minor shoulder injury in the spring caused him to slide on draft day. After introducing him to pro ball, the Indians eased back on the leash during his first full pro season and in August sent him to low Class A Lake County.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Hankins has a long, lean frame and uncommon athleticism for a pitcher of his size. At his best, he ran his fastball up to 97 mph and typically sits in the mid 90s with plus life. He has the makings of quality secondary pitches, but they'll need to become more consistent offerings.His slider and changeup both have the ability to be above-average offerings and he also throws a bigger curveball, though it lags behind his other pitches. Hankins controls his arsenal well, but it will be important for him to maintain his delivery as he grows into his large frame.
  
  THE FUTURE: Hankins' impressive first full season was a reminder of just how big his upside can be. He's set to start back with Lake Countym where he and Daniel Espino will make for an impressive 1-2 punch that the Indians hope will stick together all the way to the big leagues.
• December, 2018 Scouting Report
  Hankins made just nine appearances with Mahoning Valley, but he was so thoroughly dominant that he earned a promotion to low Class A Lake County. While he didn’t eclipse five innings in any one start, he was unscored upon in five of his nine outings. Hankins’ fastball stuck out the most to managers around the league. He throws the pitch in the mid-90s with good life and is able to command it for strikes. He can spin a solid slider with some sweeping action to get swings and misses, while also featuring a curveball with sizable break. Hankins also throws a firm changeup but made strides as the season went along. Hankins is still raw, but executives point to his sheer strength and plus arm speed as positives. His physicality and big arm should help him further develop his secondary offerings.
• July, 2018 Scouting Report
  Hankins came into the spring as the top high school player in the draft class. But a shoulder injury interrupted his season and his stuff wasn’t the same once he got back on the mound. He fell to 35th overall, where the Indians signed him to a slightly above pick value bonus. When Hankins is at his best, he has a well-above average fastball with plus life.