Drafted in the 22nd round (674th overall) by the New York Mets in 2008.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
The Mets' September rotation featured two righthanders drafted out of college after the 20th round. Dillon Gee, a 21st-round selection in 2007, logged 161 innings for New York and enjoyed the Citi Field experience with a 3.17 ERA at home (compared with 5.74 away). Taken one year and one round later than Gee, Schwinden opened 2011 in the Binghamton bullpen, earning a promotion to Triple-A in mid-April to cover for the promoted Pat Misch. Schwinden struck out nine in his first start for the Bisons and didn't look back, allowing eight runs in his first seven starts. He faded down the stretch with a 5.54 ERA over his final 10 starts, but his strikeout rate remained firm and New York called him up in September. Like Gee, Schwinden pitches at 89-90 mph and his stuff is fringy across the board, but he throws strikes with four pitches and attacks hitters' weaknesses. The addition of a cutter to go with a four-seam fastball that scrapes 93 mph has allowed Schwinden to work both sides of the plate. He improved the power and shape of a mid-70s curve last season, though his changeup remains shaky. He's an extreme flyball pitcher who will benefit from Citi Field's generous outfield dimensions. Schwinden fits best as a No. 5 starter whose pitchability always will outstrip his raw stuff, but he ought to get plenty of opportunity in the near term with New York given its thin rotation.
Best Tools List
Rated Best Control in the New York Mets in 2010
Career Transactions
Round Rock Express released RHP Chris Schwinden.
RHP Chris Schwinden assigned to Round Rock Express.
Texas Rangers signed free agent RHP Chris Schwinden to a minor league contract.
Las Vegas 51s released RHP Chris Schwinden.
RHP Chris Schwinden assigned to Leones del Caracas.
New York Mets sent Chris Schwinden outright to Buffalo Bisons.
New York Mets optioned RHP Chris Schwinden to Buffalo Bisons.
New York Mets claimed Chris Schwinden off waivers from New York Yankees.
New York Yankees designated RHP Chris Schwinden for assignment.
New York Yankees optioned RHP Chris Schwinden to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees.
New York Yankees claimed RHP Chris Schwinden off waivers from Cleveland Indians.
Cleveland Indians designated Chris Schwinden for assignment.
Columbus Clippers designated Chris Schwinden for assignment.
Cleveland Indians optioned RHP Chris Schwinden to Columbus Clippers.
Cleveland Indians claimed RHP Chris Schwinden off waivers from Toronto Blue Jays.
RHP Chris Schwinden assigned to Las Vegas 51s.
Toronto Blue Jays claimed Chris Schwinden off waivers from New York Mets.
New York Mets designated RHP Chris Schwinden for assignment.
New York Mets recalled Chris Schwinden from Buffalo Bisons.
New York Mets optioned Chris Schwinden to Buffalo Bisons.
New York Mets recalled Chris Schwinden from Buffalo Bisons.
New York Mets optioned Chris Schwinden to Buffalo Bisons.
New York Mets recalled Chris Schwinden from Buffalo Bisons.
New York Mets optioned Chris Schwinden to Buffalo Bisons.
New York Mets selected the contract of Chris Schwinden from Buffalo Bisons.
Chris Schwinden assigned to Buffalo Bisons from Binghamton Mets.
Chris Schwinden roster status changed by Binghamton Mets.
Binghamton Mets placed RHP Chris Schwinden on the 7-day disabled list. left oblique strain
RHP Chris Schwinden assigned to Binghamton Mets from St. Lucie Mets.
Chris Schwinden assigned to St. Lucie Mets from Savannah Sand Gnats.
Chris Schwinden roster status changed by Savannah Sand Gnats.
Savannah Sand Gnats placed RHP Chris Schwinden on the 7-day disabled list.
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