Cole Hertzler is Houston’s fifth-round pick. A 6-foot-4, 235-pound right-handed pitcher from Liberty University, he is currently ranked as the 240th prospect on the MLB list. Born on June 21, 2003, in Reading, PA, Hertzler transitioned from a reliever to a starter between 2023 and 2024. He has a 55-grade changeup and 50-grades on his fastball, curveball, and slider, with a control grade of 45 and an overall grade of 40.
His fastball averages 92-93 mph and can reach up to 95-96 mph, with solid arm-side run. His primary secondary pitch is a low-80s changeup with good sink and fade, showing potential as a plus offspeed offering. Hertzler also features two distinct breaking balls: a mid-80s slider and an 80-81 mph curveball, both capable of missing bats. — MLB Pipeline
As a reliever in 2023, Hertzler had a 5.40 ERA over 36 2/3 innings, with 51 strikeouts and a 1.500 WHIP. Transitioning to a starter for 14 games in 2024, he recorded a 6-6 record, improved his WHIP to 1.245, and lowered his ERA to 4.16. He struck out 94 batters against 33 walks in 84 1/3 innings. Hertzler is considered to have slightly more polish than Houston’s fourth-round pick, Parker Smith. He is expected to join one of Houston’s Single-A affiliates, either Fayetteville or Asheville, aiming for a major league debut in 2026 or 2027.