Colorado Rockies: 3 interesting quotes from the top 3 draft picks of 2021

At 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, Jaden Hill makes an impact when he walks into the room. His physical presence is a far cry from New York Mets starting pitcher Marcus Stroman, listed at 5-foot-7 and 180 pounds. While there may not be similarities in their statures, Hill is a big fan of what Stroman brings to the mound before and during his outings.

“I love Stroman,” Hill said. “I just connect with him and his work ethic and how serious he takes the game, on and off the field. To me, he’s an example of a professional. He takes care of his body. He puts in the work and he’s a competitor.”

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Hill is already putting in the work to recover from Tommy John surgery, and that injury is one of the reasons why Hill was still available to the Rockies with the 44th overall pick.

The right-hander has all of the tools necessary to succeed, including a changeup that Hill called “a natural pitch” for him and said it was the first pitch he ever learned. He also said it was a pitch that he felt comfortable enough throwing on any count to keep hitters off balance.

Once he completes his rehab, the Rockies will be able to see exactly what Hill can bring to the mound. With Stroman to look up to for work ethic and professionalism, expect Hill to be on the fast track to recovery.