Not to say that I agree or disagree with "Hands to the ball" approach. But, whether a hitter commits too early on an offspeed offering has nothing to do with it. In fact hitting oppo would encourage a hitter to be letting the ball get deep in the zone, encouraging a hitter to keep his weight back longer.
A hitter getting out in front does not do that because he leads with his hands, it happened because he is leading too soon.
Stay back, and drive the ball to oppo if that is what is required. The approach to hitting oppo should in fact be enhanced with off speed pitches. Its the fastball on the inside that will be difficult to hit oppo effectively.
They want him to get his weight to his front foot early, hips following the hands. I am not really looking to debate mechanics, just a way forward for my son since he has 2 more years.