Thatcher Hurd

Scouting Report

Hurd started his prep career as a catcher before moving to the mound and would have been a top-two-rounds pick in 2021 if he wasn't set on attending UCLA. He pitched well as a Bruins freshman before missing the final two months with a stress fracture and transferring to Louisiana State, where he was inconsistent throughout 2023 before rallying to win the clinchers in the Men's College World Series Semifinals and Finals. Projected as a likely first-rounder in 2024, he once again battled his control and pitched his way out of the Tigers' rotation, which dropped him to the third round and an $836,400 bonus. He won't make his pro debut until 2026 after having Tommy John surgery in February. Hurd has a pair of quality pitches when healthy, beginning with a fastball that parks at 93-96 mph and reaches 98 with significant armside run and carry. His high-spin slider sits in the mid-80s and reaches 91 with plenty of horizontal and vertical movement. He threw just two changeups as an LSU junior, trying instead to combat left-handers with his 78-82 mph curveball. With his athleticism and a delivery that features arm speed rather than effort, Hurd should have at least average control, which would land him in the front half of a big league rotation. But he never has shown the ability to provide consistent strikes, his slider gets bashed when he doesn't command it and he hangs his curve too often. Many scouts believe his lack of reliability will land him in the bullpen, where his fastball and slider could become well-above-average offerings in shorter stints.