Jimmy
Benson

FROM 2025 FUTURE GAMES:

LHP Jimmy Benson (St. Laurence) is coming off a massive spring in which he helped lead his club to a 3A State Title. There’s a ton to dream on with his 6-foot-8, 205-pound frame, and he is another arm that gives a tough, deceptive look for opposing hitters. The fastball sat comfortably in the 81-84 mph range, collecting whiffs in the zone. He showed feel for his slider with 2/8 shape and some depth, landing it around the zone and also flashing sharp action, 70-73 mph. He also went to a fading changeup at 77-79 mph to fill out his arsenal. Controls his levers well for size, messed with timing with his leg-lifts. Struck out four over his two innings of work.

Uncommitted, currently ranked No. 46 in the state. Projectable 6-foot-8, 205-pound frame. Started on the mound. Benson shined on Friday as he struck out six batters through five and two-thirds innings to pick up the win on the mound. The left-hander operates from an uptempo delivery with a high leg with tuck while having a drop/drive approach. Clean, full arm action from a ¾ slot. Would slow down his delivery occasionally to mess with hitters’ timing. Also, dropped down to a sidearm slot against righties on multiple occasions. His fastball sat 80-83 while topping out at 84. His length and extension allows his velocity to play up. Mixed in a slider that sat 69-72 with sweeping action. Also, flashed a mid-70s changeup. Competitor on the mound.

Uncommitted. Currently ranked No. 97 in the Illinois’ 2027 class. 6-foot-8, 205-pound, extra-long, large frame. Features arguably one of the highest ceilings in the class. Controlled his levers and repeated at an above-average clip given his frame and age. Arm worked short and quick from a ¾ slot. Gets extension down the mound and fastball seems to play with more life that his low-80s fastball would indicate. Was able to work the fastball to both sides of the plate at times; really effective when he was able to get it in on right-handed hitter. Also mixed in a sweeping breaking ball and changeup; established and pitched off the fastball. Struck out five in 4.2 innings pitched against one of the top lineups in the state. Candidate to make a big jump in velocity in the coming years.

Uncommitted, Benson threw a no-hitter against Mt. Carmel on Saturday. In 6.2 innings of work the lefty allowed no hits, no runs, three walks, and four strikeouts. Earlier in the week, Benson pitched 1.1 innings out of the bullpen to earn the win over Providence, allowed no runs and struck out two.

Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 6-8, 205-pounds. Trim, high-waisted frame.
Delivery: Uptempo mover, high leg lift, tall/fall down the mound.
Arm Action: LH. Long, loose arm action, low 3/4 slot.
FB: T80, 78-80 mph. Armside run. T1983, 1952 average rpm.
CB: 69-71 mph. 2/8 shape, sweeping action. T1939, 1914 average rpm.
CH: 74-76 mph. Plays with fade and decel. T1800, 1767 average rpm.

Positional Profile: INF
Body: 6-3, 170-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Upright, open set up. Active feet pre-pitch.  Long/loose arms, uphill path to the ball, one-handed finish, intent to lift.
Power: 73 max exit velocity, averaged 65.5 mph. 243’ max distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 59 mph. Multiple arm slots, short and efficient arm swing.
Defense: Clean actions, works through the baseball with tempo, clean round.
Run: 9.40 runner in the 60. 

Positional Profile: LHP
Delivery: Uptempo tilt and topple delivery with some effort, closes the shoulders, long stride, lands squared with an athletic finish.
Arm Action: LH. Long, winged arm action, low 3/4 slot.
FB: T68.2, 67.1-68.1 mph. Four seam type, around the zone command. T1806, 1750 average rpm.
CB: 51.8-53.4 mph. Slurve-like action. T1796, 1678 average rpm.
CH: 56.7-58.5 mph. Late arm-side run, with arm-side command.  T1661, 1610 average rpm.