Get to Know Twins Draft Pick, RHP Xander Hamilton

[Ted Schwerzler]

First playing college baseball with Virginia Tech before transferring to Appalachian State, Xander Hamilton has experience playing in some very tough baseball conferences. His big strikeout numbers jump off the board, and Minnesota called his name in the 14th round of the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft.

 

Image courtesy of Julli Salvatierra

This spring, Xander Hamilton threw 87 2/3 innings for Appalachian State and posted 115 strikeouts. There are a lot of moldable tools with his game, and he presents Minnesota with another opportunity to carve out a strong late-round pitcher similar to Bailey Ober or Louie Varland.

Before he kicks off his professional career, I caught up with him talk find out a little bit more.

Twins Daily: You spent a couple of years experiencing the ACC before moving to the Sun Belt. What was that experience like?

Xander Hamilton: Spending two years in the ACC, it felt a lot more like business and just having to be on the good side of the coaches if you wanted playing time. If you didn’t fit their mold in their program, you just weren’t going to cut it. I believe those big schools end up picking their favorites and leaving a lot of kids in the dust. I think this is due to over-recruiting off the bat. The ACC is a big, sexy conference with a bunch of big time, household name schools, but believe me, the Sun Belt is just as competitive and talented as the ACC. The talent coming might not compare, but the coaching and overall grit from Sun Belt players makes it just as tough. Playing in the Sun Belt felt a lot more like playing baseball than worrying about if everything you do is gonna get you playing time. If you’re good, you’re gonna get your shot, especially at App State. 

TD: Pitching nearly 90 innings this year, what did you take away from your highest workload from a body understanding perspective?

XH: I enjoyed the workload and responsibility that was given to me helping my team on those Friday nights. I believe getting through those innings started with how I prepared my body the summer before. A lot of hard work was put in getting my body healthy that summer and getting my body prepared to throw that fall. Lots of time lifting weights, conditioning and rehab went into preparing my body for the workload. As the season went along, I actually began to throw harder and harder, so I knew the way I prepared my body paid off.

TD: What do you feel most prepared you this year to head into pro ball?

XH: I think just getting to pitch against some of the best bats in the country really prepared me. Also, just strictly focusing on pitching for the first time in my life really helped me elevate my skills on the mound. Through this last year, I believe I have developed into a true pitcher and really learned the art of it. 

TD: From a pitching perspective, what does your arsenal look like? What pitches are you most comfortable with?

XH: Right now I have a four-seam fastball that can get up to 95 mph, and I will sit about 92-93. My best pitch, the slider, is my go-to and has really elevated me over opposing hitters. I also have a splitter that turned into a real game-changer for me this year. 

TD: Developmentally, what are you most excited about adding to your game as you head into professional baseball?

XH: I’m excited to be working with the best coaches in the world and help me gain velocity, become a better athlete, and possibly add another pitch. 

TD: Being from North Carolina, what do you know about the Twins organization, Target Field, and Minnesota?

XH: I don’t know a lot about the history of the Twins, but Target Field is actually one of my favorite ballparks. I love the odd-shaped ballparks and Target Field is definitely one of those, especially with the overhang in right field. I have never been to Minnesota, but I hope to call it home one day!

TD: What’s something interesting about you? What do you do away from the game as far as hobbies and fun?

XH: I am extremely passionate about modified vehicles, especially off road ones like pickup trucks. I also like really fast cars. I enjoy just being outside and enjoying the sunshine, whether it is on the beach or on the lake. I also have a love for the mountains, which was one of the reasons for choosing App State. 

Welcome to Twins Territory, Xander!

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[jmlease1]

Be interesting to see if the Twins can add some velocity for him. I'm guessing they were attracted to the slider, maybe saw some promise in the splitter as a potential quality 3rd pitch?

I think his comments about the ACC were interesting, relating to the coaching/playing time issue. Maybe he's just a no-BS kinda guy who doesn't play political games in the clubhouse. Maybe he's harder to coach. he certainly didn't get much of an opportunity at VA Tech, so might just a be little residual unhappiness...

[Dave Borton]

I have told you privately but will add it publicly. Superb work on the draft selections, Ted.  db

[ashbury]

He's young, scrappy and hungry. One thing we know for sure, Xander's not throwing away his shot!

Bet he never gets tired of the reference.

[DocBauer]

Can touch 95mph, over 90 IP, solid mix of pitches, 10K per 9 and he's a 14th round pick. Just kind of crazy how deep this draft was, but also how many kids with real potential aren't your typical top 3 or 4 round kids.

[Doctor Wu]

14 hours ago, DocBauer said:

Can touch 95mph, over 90 IP, solid mix of pitches, 10K per 9 and he's a 14th round pick. Just kind of crazy how deep this draft was, but also how many kids with real potential aren't your typical top 3 or 4 round kids.

Very true, It looks like we got some good to very good arms in the draft, at least as you say, ones with potential. This kid Hamilton looks like a particularly intriguing pick with some definite upside. 

[Ted Schwerzler]

20 hours ago, davidborton said:

I have told you privately but will add it publicly. Superb work on the draft selections, Ted.  db

Thank you!

[AlwaysinModeration]

This is a fascinating insight:

“Spending two years in the ACC, it felt a lot more like business and just having to be on the good side of the coaches if you wanted playing time. If you didn’t fit their mold in their program, you just weren’t going to cut it. I believe those big schools end up picking their favorites and leaving a lot of kids in the dust.”

Makes you wonder how meritocratic baseball really is.  Are the kids of former ballplayers really better than their teammates or do they get more chances because of their name? 

[Hayboy]

On 7/20/2023 at 12:39 PM, jmlease1 said:

Be interesting to see if the Twins can add some velocity for him. I'm guessing they were attracted to the slider, maybe saw some promise in the splitter as a potential quality 3rd pitch?

I think his comments about the ACC were interesting, relating to the coaching/playing time issue. Maybe he's just a no-BS kinda guy who doesn't play political games in the clubhouse. Maybe he's harder to coach. he certainly didn't get much of an opportunity at VA Tech, so might just a be little residual unhappiness...

 

[Hayboy]

Maybe the endowment members grandsons got the mound while the real pitcher got to set in the dorm not even allowed to travel with the team. Good move Zander you Rock.