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.

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.

Fastball: 40/40

Slider: 55/60

Changeup: 45/50

Command 45/55

Solid day for Andrew Hoffmann. He gave up 2 HR early but no walks is a great sign after last year. The slider is nasty and got him a lot of swing and miss today (12 swinging strikes). Good 3-pitch mix of FB, SL, CH.

Final line: 5.0 IP, 4H, 3ER, 0BB, 7K pic.twitter.com/RZ4exwEnGP