Emmett Olson Stats & Scouting Report — College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects

IP	16
ERA	0
WHIP	.75
BB/9	2.25
SO/9	10.69

Full name Emmett James Olson
Born 05/15/2002 in Des Plaines, IL
Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 230 / Bats: L / Throws: L
School Nebraska
Drafted in the 4th round (110th overall) by the Miami Marlins in 2023 (signed for $460,000).

View Draft Report

School: Nebraska Source: 4YR

Commit/Drafted: Never Drafted
Age At Draft: 21.2
After appearing out of the bullpen most of the time in 2022, Olson made the switch to start full-time in 2023. The physical, 6-foot-4, 230-pound lefthander had a productive spring for Nebraska with a 6-3 record, a 4.50 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 82 innings. Olson will throw from a near over-the-top slot that produces 19.2 inches of induced vertical break on his 91-94 mph fastball that he loves to attack early and often with. Complementing his firm fastball is his 82-84 mph slider that varies in break but could be classified as a sweeper for the most part. Lefthanded hitters have a tough time with it when it’s on, but it does tend to stay on the same plane to righties, making it easier to square up. Regardless, Olson showed enough promise in his slider for it to project as a solid-average putaway pitch at the next level. He likes mixing in his mid-80s changeup to righthanded hitters, and it serves as an effective offering when kept down in the zone. Rounding out Olson’s arsenal is a slower, looping 72-74 mph curveball that is mainly a “show-me” pitch and would need further development if he brings it along with him to the next level. Olson is a strike-thrower and competes in the zone well. He has the potential to start in the pro ranks but may be best served out of the bullpen in left-on-left matchups where he can attack with a solid 1-2 punch in his fastball/slider combination.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

BA Grade: 40/High

Track Record: Olson had a standout collegiate career at nebraska, where he compiled a 3.83 ERA with 161 strikeouts in 160 innings across three seasons. 2023 was the first time Olson spent a full season as a starter, and he pitched his way to a 4.50 ERA with 80 strikeouts in 82 innings. Olson was selected in the fourth round of the 2023 draft and signed an under-slot deal worth $460,000. He made just one professional appearance after signing and threw 1.2 innings in the Florida Complex League.

Scouting Report: Olson has a thick, durable frame and is an imposing presence on the mound. He works almost exclusively on the third base side of the rubber and has a slightly up-tempo delivery and a high leg lift. Olson has a short arm action and throws from a high three-quarters slot. His fastball sits in the 91-93 range, but has been up to 95 with riding life through the zone. His mid-80s slider has some sweeping life, but opposing hitters posted a .340 average against it. Lefthanded hitters hit .429 against Olson’s slider while righthanded hitters hit just .240. His mid-70s curveball is by far his best pitch and has huge depth with a bit of sharp, 12-to-6 bite. It worked an impressive 56% miss rate and held opposing hitters to a minuscule .077 average. Finally, Olson has inconsistent feel for a mid-80s changeup. It’s not much of a speed difference from his fastball, but will flash some tumble.

The Future: Olson is on track to start 2024 at Low-A Jupiter and could earn a promotion to High-A Beloit at some point. He is consistently around the strike zone, but his command will need to further improve in order for him to reach his ceiling of a potential fifth starter.

Scouting Grades Fastball: 45 | Curveball: 55 | Slider: 40 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 55

Draft Prospects

School: Nebraska Source: 4YR

Commit/Drafted: Never Drafted
Age At Draft: 21.2
After appearing out of the bullpen most of the time in 2022, Olson made the switch to start full-time in 2023. The physical, 6-foot-4, 230-pound lefthander had a productive spring for Nebraska with a 6-3 record, a 4.50 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 82 innings. Olson will throw from a near over-the-top slot that produces 19.2 inches of induced vertical break on his 91-94 mph fastball that he loves to attack early and often with. Complementing his firm fastball is his 82-84 mph slider that varies in break but could be classified as a sweeper for the most part. Lefthanded hitters have a tough time with it when it’s on, but it does tend to stay on the same plane to righties, making it easier to square up. Regardless, Olson showed enough promise in his slider for it to project as a solid-average putaway pitch at the next level. He likes mixing in his mid-80s changeup to righthanded hitters, and it serves as an effective offering when kept down in the zone. Rounding out Olson’s arsenal is a slower, looping 72-74 mph curveball that is mainly a “show-me” pitch and would need further development if he brings it along with him to the next level. Olson is a strike-thrower and competes in the zone well. He has the potential to start in the pro ranks but may be best served out of the bullpen in left-on-left matchups where he can attack with a solid 1-2 punch in his fastball/slider combination.