Elijah Green. Jake Bennett. The Washington Nationals had an excellent start to the 2022 MLB Draft.
Entering the 2022 MLB draft, the Washington Nationals had the perfect opportunity to strengthen their farm and started off with a bang — drafting IMG Academy outfielder Elijah Green. They followed this up by selecting Oklahoma LHP, Jake Bennett. Drafted by the Nationals in the 39th round in 2019, Bennett chose to honor his commitment to Oklahoma — where he was reunited with his high school teammate and Washington’s top prospect, Cade Cavalli. Going back to 2018, Bennett is the fourth Sooner Washington has drafted, joining Jake Irvin, Brady Lindsly, and Cavalli.
With the 45th pick in the 2022 @MLBDraft, the Washington Nationals select…
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 18, 2022
Jake Bennett – LHP (Oklahoma)#NATITUDE pic.twitter.com/iqQiTOdCHk
This season he became the Sooner’s workhorse, going 10-4, with a 3.69 ERA, and 133 strikeouts in 117 innings. He was instrumental in his team’s College World Series Finals appearance this season — winning four of his five playoff starts.
Standing at 6’6, 234 pounds, Bennett uses a three-pitch mix highlighted by his changeup that sits between 82-85 mph. His heater has touched 98 mph, but averages 91-94 mph, while his slider also sits in the 80s. He relies more on control to get outs and has thrived because of it — striking out 133 batters while walking only 22.
What are some of the top prospects sites saying about Bennett?
"“Bennett is a southpaw that works in the low 90s, up into the mid-90s, and can fill up the strikezone. Bennett mixes in a cutterish slider and a changeup that he works to tunnel off the fastball. He gets high marks for commanding the fastball to both sides of the plate and likes working in on righties’ hands. The shape of the fastball can get a little generic and flat, but its metrics have ticked up in 2022. It’s the type of fastball when left up in the zone, becomes awfully hittable if command for the pitch isn’t on that day. Still, you’re talking about a 6-foot-6 lefty with starter traits who can touch 96. With a little refinement in pitch design, the upside here is significant. He’s got no. 4 starter potential.”"
"Bennett is more effective against right-handers than same-side hitters because his 82-85 mph changeup is a legitimate plus pitch that tumbles at the plate, and he uses it almost exclusively against righties. Although his four-seam fastball has touched 98 mph, it usually operates at 91-94 with some arm-side run, and he must locate it up in the zone to be effective. He uses a slider with similar velocity to his changeup against left-handers, and it lacks consistency while flashing solid sweep at times.At 6-foot-6 and 234 pounds, Bennett is built to be a workhorse starter. He has an easy yet somewhat deceptive delivery that he repeats well, allowing him to pound the strike zone throughout his college career. He stands out more for his floor than his ceiling with a good chance of becoming a No. 4 or 5 starter."