Royals’ prospect Andrew Hoffmann is a Chicago-area native and went on to attend the University of Illinois for his junior year season. In that season, he posted a 2.87 ERA and 1.02 WHIP over 62.2 innings as a starter for the Fighting Illini. That led to being selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 12th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. He had a great start to his minor league career with the Braves Low-A affiliate in 2021, posting a 2.73 ERA over 29.2 IP. He followed that up with an impressive 2022 season with the Braves High-A affiliate, boasting a 7-2 record as a starter with a 2.36 ERA over 80 IP.
The Royals found an opportunity to acquire the Braves’ #25 prospect in a rare trade involving a draft pick. The Royals sent the #35 pick in the 2022 draft to the Braves for Hoffman, as well as prospects Drew Waters and CJ Alexander. Due to his previous Top 100 prospect status, Drew Waters was considered the headliner and focus of the trade, but many thought that Hoffmann might end up being the most impactful acquisition over time.
Season Stats:
Braves
2021 (Low-A): 29.2 IP, 2.73 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 37 K, 8 BB
2022 (High-A): 80.0 IP, 2.36 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 90 K, 21 BB
Royals
2022 (AA): 39.1 IP, 6.64 ERA, 1.78 WHIP, 30 K, 20 BB
2023 (AA): 87.1 IP, 5.56 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 87 K, 43 BB
2023 (AAA): 38.0 IP, 5.45 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 46 K, 16 BB
There is a stark contrast between Hoffmann’s stats before and after joining the Royals’ organization. I attribute most of this to the change in the quality of competition, as the Royals immediately moved him to Double-A upon his arrival. The transition from High-A to Double-A is arguably the toughest for any minor leaguer, regardless of position. What is concerning, however, is a significant increase in walk rate since joining the Royals. With the Braves organization, Hoffman held an impressive 4.38 K/BB ratio. That number has been more than cut in half since joining the Royals (2.06 K/BB). Improving his command could do wonders for Hoffmann in 2024.
Scouting Grades:
Fastball: 40/40
Slider: 55/60
Changeup: 45/50
Command 45/55
Projection:
Hoffmann was able to pitch a couple of innings with the big-league club this spring, only allowing one hit with three strikeouts. He should be back in Omaha to start the year as part of the Storm Chasers’ starting rotation. I find it hard to see him cracking the starting rotation in Kansas City at any point this season with the number of pitchers competing for a spot (e.g. Daniel Lynch IV, Kris Bubic, Alec Marsh, Anthony Veneziano, etc.). However, if he can clean up the walks and continue to build his arsenal around a strong slider, it is not out of the question that he could find a spot in the Royals’ bullpen. With the plethora of additions to the Royals’ pitching staff this off-season, it may take until 2025 for Hoffmann to get his opportunity.