“Here to Get Better”: Inside Nick Hull’s Solid Start to the Season

May 16, 2023 by Sam Weiderhaft

There’s not a ton of flash when Nick Hull takes the mound for the Pelicans. The right-hander provides a consistent pitch mix, great command skills, and an even-keeled attitude on the mound.

And he’s getting results.

The seventh-round selection by the Cubs last year started this season as a “piggybacker” for the Pelicans, or a reliever that typically follows the starter and throws a good chunk of innings. He has since moved into the rotation with three starts under his belt, with the Pelicans ending up on the winning side in all three games.

When Hull takes the mound, it’s expected to see an outing of four to five innings, typically stretching longer than many other starters in the Birds’ rotation. In his three starts, he’s thrown 14 2/3 innings with just four earned runs, good for an ERA of 2.45.

“Results-wise, I’ve been pretty happy with what I’ve done so far,” Hull said. “Although in Minor League Baseball, results aren’t everything. You’re here to work on certain things, you’re here to get better.”

The native of Washington state has plenty of starting experience, pitching five years at Grand Canyon University and starting 25 games, with 16 of those in his final season. As the ace for the Lopes in 2022, he struck out 102 batters through 96 2/3 innings across 16 starts, walking just 28 and posting a 7-1 record. Throughout his career, Hull struck out 214 batters, a Division l program record.

Through his five college seasons, Hull was used in a variety of ways and developed his fastball to reach 95 miles per hour. With the Cubs, Hull has only improved as a professional.

“My velocity has increased since last season,” Hull remarked. “That’s been one of the goals for me. Now I’d just like to get more strikeouts, more swings and misses, just increase the stuff altogether.”

Hull has adjusted to the life of a professional baseball player and the routine that comes with that. After being drafted, Hull came to Myrtle Beach at the end of 2022 and started three games. He’s now in his first full year with the Cubs organization and enjoys the personal development that he’s seen so far.

“I think the biggest thing transferring from college to professional was, now you can really focus on what’s going to get you better,” Hull said. “In college, it’s so much more team-oriented. Here, they let you do whatever you need to do to be the best you can be.”

“It’s your job to play baseball now. You can really take that more seriously.”

The Pelicans will continue to rely on Hull’s consistency and ability to get results as the starter continues to refine his skills in Myrtle Beach.