The University of Alabama, famous for its football program, has also made a significant mark on Major League Baseball, contributing 312 players, including 155 through the MLB’s annual amateur draft since 1965.
While only five Alabama players have been selected in the first round of the draft, one of the latest to achieve this is right-handed pitcher Ben Hess. This year, Hess became Alabama’s second-highest draft pick when the New York Yankees selected him 26th overall.
Now, in a proposed trade to improve their infield after losing Gleyber Torres to the Detroit Tigers in free agency, the Yankees might part ways with Hess. According to Sporting News reporter Jackson Roberts, the Yankees would send Hess, along with eight-year minor league infielder Jorbit Vivas, to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for second baseman Brandon Lowe.
Lowe, 30, has had an injury-prone career but is a versatile player who has also played first base and corner outfield positions for the Rays during his seven years with the team.
Lowe, who still has two years left on his six-year, $24 million contract, could be a cost-effective option for the Yankees. While SpoTrac suggests Lowe’s market value could reach $80 million over four years, the Yankees would only owe him $10.5 million for the 2025 season.
His contract also includes a club option for 2026 at $11.5 million, allowing the Yankees flexibility in managing his salary. The trade would benefit both teams financially: the Rays, with one of the lowest payrolls in 2024, would save $10.5 million, while the Yankees would secure an affordable replacement for Torres.
Lowe, when healthy, has been a productive player, posting an .808 OPS and 126 OPS+ since 2020, including a 39-homer season in 2021. However, he has struggled with injuries in recent years.
The trade also offers the Rays the opportunity to develop Hess, who was a top high school prospect in Illinois but dealt with injuries early in his college career.
Standing 6’5″ and weighing 255 pounds, Hess showed his potential in his final season at Alabama, throwing a fastball between 92 and 96 mph. Despite past injury setbacks, Hess is considered a pitcher with the upside of a No. 2 starter, but he will need to improve his control to reach his potential. The Rays’ pitching development program could focus on refining his strike-throwing abilities if they acquire him.
