Chris Schwinden

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked New York Mets #24 prospect in 2012
  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.