Nick
Hohenstein

2017 New Jersey State Games (July 26-27, 2017)
Hohenstein has a broad shouldered build at 6-foot-1 215-pounds. Legitimate two-way prospect at the next level, Hohenstein can get his fastball up into the low 90s. His outing at the NJ State Games was dominant – spotting and fastball and mixing in his offspeed for strikes. Fastball was up to 88 MPH, sitting mostly 86-88. His curveball has more of a slider break with 11/5 tilt at 72-73, also spotted a changeup with armside run and sink at 74-77. Short quick arm action from a high-3/4 slot helps create some run on fastball. Up tempo delivery, into an athletic balance point. Explosive down the mound, shorter stride with stiff front side. Able to extend over lead side. Offensively – recorded an exit velocity of 90 MPH. LHH, starts in a wide, athletic stance with hands above back shoulder. Uses a foot tap and stride to start swing, hands load up and back with some fluidity. Short, quick and compact stroke with gap to gap power. Finishes balanced with lift in follow through. Defensively – took reps from the outfield. Throws to homeplate topped at 85 MPH with heavy armside sink. Short, quick arm with carry on throws. Plays through throws to target with momentum.

5/20/17
Hohenstein has a sturdy build at 6-foot-1 200-pounds. One of the top uncommitted 2018s in NJ. Fastball topped at 91, and hit 90 a few times. Sat mostly 87-88 from a high-3/4 slot. Showed a breaking ball at 72-75 with tight spin and 11/5 depth and a changeup at 76. Up tempo delivery into an athletic balance position. Stride length is on the shorter end, creates velocity from his short quick and clean arm action. Tall, stiff finish on front leg. Can get more velocity if he can get into his legs and refine mechanics slightly. At the plate, sets up in a crouch from the left side with hands parallel with shoulder. Uses a foot lift and stride to start swing. Creates sOne power from hips and quick hands through the zone. Tripled in a run earlier in the game. Finished with a complete game win on the mound. Limited a talented Freehold Boro team to 1 run.

PBR Future Games (August 4-6, 2016)
Hohenstein has a stocky build at 6-foot-1 200-pounds. Showcased well offensively and on the mound. Ran a 7.76 60. Offensively- LH bat, uses a big leg kick to start swing. Hands stay stagnant and locked just above shoulder. Had several extra base hits in game play, including a long towering triple to deep CF. Generates power with hips and quick hands. Defensively- played the OF for Team NY/NJ. Throws were accurate with some arm side run at 84 mph. Pitching-  standing 6-foot-0, 200-pouinds. Hohenstein had an impressive outing using his 85-87 mph fastball, that showed late jump and depth. Uses a quick pace to his delivery, opens his lower half up some early but it doesn't seem to effect his command or velocity. Uses a shorter arm-action from a mid-3/4 slot, curveball had tight spin with late 11/5 shape. Competes when he gets the ball.


Border Battle (October 18, 2015)

Hohenstein was just a pitcher at the Battle on the Border event. He had the opportunity to face New York's veteran lineup and started off hot retired 4 of the first 5 hitters he faced; three via strikeout. His velocity was anywhere from 82-86 miles-per-hour with tailing life. He went with more of a slider in the cold weather and the offering showed short, one-plane life at 70-71 MPH. His changeup was effective when down in the zone at 73-75 MPH. I suspect major velocity once he gets more from his back side and matures physcially.

Hohenstein showcased his athleticism throughout the day starting with an impressive exit velocity of 89 miles-per-hour. He proceeded to show it off by posting solid velocities from both the infield and outfield; 85 and 83 respectively. His future is on the mound where he pitched with an up tempo delivery. He showed progression with his lower half mechanics, showing better stability and direction. He accomplishes excellent hip-shoulder separation that, when combined with his quick arm, allows him to produce an 83-87 MPH fastball with movement to his arm side. His curveball showed much better shape and spin and has the potential to be an above average out pitch. His changeup feel is advanced for his age and has a good amount of late arm side fade. He is a highest level pitching prospect.

Hohenstein is a 6-foot-1, 195 pound two-sport athlete from one of the state’s best high school programs, Christian Brothers Academy. On the diamond, the athletic 2018 graduate is primarily a right-handed pitcher but also plays shortstop and the outfield. Hohenstein hits from the left-side and has explosive actions using a small leg kick. He has a big load onto his back foot and shifts his weight aggressively to his stride foot, becoming a front foot hitter. He has some strength in his swing and short extension. Defensively, he showed raw actions in the outfield and 86 mile-per-hour arm strength. He could get better with added OF reps. At shortstop, he works around and though the ball, breaking his hands near his chest. He showed athletic actions that could translate to becoming a good shortstop/third base prospect.

Hohenstein’s real upside is on the mound. He pitches with aggressive tempo, utilizing a large rocker step and a rhythmic hand bump. He keeps solid lower half direction but occasionally pulls off with his glove side. When he delays the pulling movement with his glove, he gets over his front side well. He has a short, quick arm action and pitches form a ¾ arm slot. He pitched with his fastball velocity between 79 and 85 miles-per-hour and reports have Hohenstein up to 87 MPH.  His curveball was only 64-65 but showed solid spin potential and late bite. His most consistent secondary offering was his changeup which had nice late dive.