40 in 40: Cole Henry
Health is the biggest factor for determining the young pitcher's future.
Editors Note: This is the latest in our player profile in our 40-man breakdown series that we have started here at the Nats Report. Check our other player profiles.
Cole Henry
- Position: Right-Handed Starting Pitcher
- Current status: Yet to make MLB Debut
- How acquired: Drafted in the 2nd Round of the 2020 MLB Draft
- 2023 Grade: B+
- 2024 Opening Day Projection: Double-A Harrisburg
- 2023 stats (Low-A, High-A, and Double-A): 14 G | 10 GS | 33.1 IP | 6.21 ERA | 37 SO | 16 BB | 6 HR | 23 ER
2023 Analysis: 2023 was about getting reps for Cole Henry, and that is what he did. He underwent surgery to address his issues with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, the same thing that has essentially ended Strasburg’s career. The hope is that with less wear and tear on the arm, Henry can still have a nice major league career. He may be pushed to the bullpen to help fast-track him to the majors and to preserve the arm.
The 24-year-old throws a mid-90s fastball, a slider, and a changeup, which is probably his best pitch.
Last season, the stuff looked good, striking out opposing hitters 25 percent of the time, but he also walked 10.8 percent of them. Having any strikeout stuff is a positive sign for his first season back, and hopefully, he can build upon it in 2024.
2024 Outlook: Another year of health will be huge for Henry’s stock. He will likely start the season at the level he finished, Double-A Harrisburg, where he will play with a ton of the other top prospects. The first couple of weeks of the season should give us a ton of insight into how the organization views him. If he remains in the rotation, Henry will immediately be the Nationals’ best starting pitcher prospect thanks to the quality of his stuff. If he moves to the bullpen, expect to see him in the majors in 2024, and quickly battle for save-situations.
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