Sean Hjelle

The first topic of conversation regarding Hjelle is always going to be his height. Standing a towering 6-foot-11, Hjelle tied Jon Rauch as the tallest-ever major leaguer when he debuted in 2022. Usually operating as a bulk reliever, Hjelle posted a 5.76 ERA but also a 28:8 K:BB over 25 innings during his first taste of the big leagues. He also had a 59 percent ground ball rate, which backed up his tendencies from the minors. Hjelle could be a solid back-end starter if given the opportunity, but he looks to be pretty far down the Giants' rotation depth chart and is more floor than ceiling.

Hjelle likely would have been on track to make his major-league debut during a normal season, but he didn't appear in the big leagues during the abbreviated 2020 campaign. However, the 23-year-old could make his first appearance in the majors in 2021, especially if the full 162-game season is played. Hjelle doesn't have the velocity that one might expect from a pitcher with his 6-11 frame, but his downward motion limits meaningful contact. The right-hander struggled slightly over a limited sample with Double-A Richmond in 2019, posting a 6.04 ERA over 25.1 innings. However, he was much more effective over the full season, totaling a 3.32 ERA and 139:37 K:BB over 143.2 innings in 28 starts. Hjelle has displayed solid command while relying heavily on his knuckle-curve, and he he could find success in a variety of big-league roles, especially if he can improve his fastball velocity and movement on his slider.

Standing 6-feet-11, Hjelle has a good chance to join Jon Rauch as the tallest pitchers to appear in the majors. Hjelle spent last season at three levels, finishing at Double-A Richmond where he's likely to begin the 2020 campaign. Unlike most lanky hurlers, Hjelle possesses an uncanny ability to repeat his delivery. However, he doesn't generate the same velocity as most with his height, sitting low-90s. Most of Hjelle's effectiveness comes from the extreme downward plane he generates, helping the righty keep the ball in the yard. Most feel Hjelle projects as a back-end starter, but with his unusual frame, he's a wild card. Currently, his top pitch is a knuckle-curve, but if he can add a few ticks to his heater or more sweep to his slider, Hjelle could be a front-end guy. With pitching such a crapshoot, you could do worse than to throw a dart at Hjelle in dynasty formats.