Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 55 | Slider: 40 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50

Ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 218 Draft prospect last year, Hamm was getting top-three-round interest early on as a junior starter at Middle Tennessee State, but he faded down the stretch, causing his stock to slip some. The Tigers selected him in the fifth round -- making him the second-highest pitcher picked in school history -- and signed him for below slot at $397,500. The former Blue Raider struck out 11 in 11 scoreless innings at Single-A Lakeland in his Draft year, was promoted to High-A West Michigan for his first full season and instantly became the Midwest League Pitcher of the Month in April.

The 6-foot-1 right-hander gets long on the backside of his delivery before throwing the ball from a high release point. His 92-95 mph fastball averaged 20.3 inches of induced vertical break during his Florida State League spin last year. He can wear out the top of the zone with the heater and then bury an 78-82 mph curveball that drops off the table and gets some funny swings. His mid-80s changeup has been a point of improvement in 2024, and he’s been working on adding a slider to provide another dynamic in his repertoire. 

Hamm showed spottier command in college, but his control has been solid in his first full season. Getting so much swing-and-miss up with the fastball and low with the curveball has helped keep those walk totals in check, and that’ll be tested the higher he climbs. That two-pitch combo has already made him one of the most interesting arms in the Detroit system.

Video scouting report »

Scouting grades: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 55 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 45 | Overall: 40 

Hard-throwing Eriq Swan was the main attraction at Middle Tennessee State's scout day last fall, but evaluators also stumbled upon Hamm, who touched 97 mph and showed a big-breaking curveball. A hot start to the season that included a one-hit shutout with 11 strikeouts against Evansville built up momentum that could have carried him into the top three rounds, but he struggled in the second half. He still could surpass big leaguer Zac Curtis (sixth round, 2014) as the second-highest drafted pitcher in school history, behind only Dewon Brazelton (No. 3 overall, 2001). 

Hamm's best pitch is a 78-82 mph curveball with good depth, though there are days when he struggles to land it for strikes. His fastball sat at 91-93 mph and peaked at 96 this spring, showing good carry at times but getting hammered when he worked lower in the zone. His low-80s changeup lacks consistency as well. 

Hamm's control and command fluctuated throughout his junior season, and he struggles to locate his pitches when he gets under the ball in his delivery. Though he's mostly a finished product, he looks like a three-pitch starter with a solid fastball and a plus curveball when he's on. His curve and competitiveness could make him a useful bullpen piece if he can't stick in the rotation. 

Awards

MID Pitcher of the Month

Month	Team
04/2024

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	03/27/2024	RHP Jaden Hamm assigned to West Michigan Whitecaps from Lakeland Flying Tigers.
	08/20/2023	RHP Jaden Hamm assigned to Lakeland Flying Tigers from FCL Tigers.
	08/20/2023	Lakeland Flying Tigers activated RHP Jaden Hamm.
	07/29/2023	RHP Jaden Hamm assigned to FCL Tigers.
	07/14/2023	Detroit Tigers signed RHP Jaden Hamm.
	06/15/2023	RHP Jaden Hamm assigned to College Workout.