Spencer
Schwellenbach

2021 MLB Draft: A two-way star in high school, Schwellenbach was exclusively a hitter his first two years at Nebraska, but returned to a dual role in 2021 and hanlded it with aplomb. He logged 31.2 innings and 10 saves this spring, typically coming in straight from shortstop to close the door with mid-90s gas and an above-average to plus slider in the low 80s that he can vary the shape of. He also has good feel for a sinking changeup. The strong-bodied 6-foot-1, 205-pounder has some interest in the early rounds as a shortstop, but his quick arm, low-effort delivery and overall upside on the mound are likely far too enticing.

With a two-run advantage going into the eighth inning on Friday, the two-way Husker star headed to the bullpen for warmups before returning to shortstop in the bottom half. Leading off the ninth, Schwellenbach ambushed a fastball and deposited it deep to left center field, giving the Huskers a three run lead and dampening the hopes of the dozen or so scouts in the stands who were hoping to watch him pitch the ninth. However, to our delight, Schwellenbach took the mound in the bottom half and it was on. A first pitch fastball at 92 mph was a bit disappointing for this #HeatSheeter, but he soon got hot and peppered the strike zone with a barrage of 95-97 bullets. Repeating an athletic delivery with a high leg lift, the low-effort, quick-armed righty made easy work of the Hoosiers for a 1-2-3 ninth and earned his sixth save of the season on just 13 pitches. He varied the shape of his low-80s slider from a short, quick darter to larger slurve-shape as a chase pitch with two strikes. It grades as an above average to plus pitch on the pro scale. Schwelly also showed very good feel for a sinking changeup in warmups, but did not throw in the game. Less than 24 hours later, Schwellenbach was back on the bump for the Huskers, earning his second save of the series and seventh of the season. His stuff was similar, once again topping at 97, but his slider was down a half grade from what he showed the previous evening. Overall, he remains a top three round draft talent as a pitcher.

Although I wasn’t able to get a live look at the Husker two-way talent on the mound, it was good to see his athleticism and movements in the field and batter’s box. During Saturday’s action, the strong-bodied 6-foot-1, 205-pound Schwellenbach demolished a hanging fastball for a grand slam home run, bringing the Huskers back to even after a 5-1 deficit. In addition to closing the final inning of Friday’s win with a fastball that touched 97 and a 82-84 mph slider, Schwellenbach returned to the mound on Easter Sunday, dealing the final two innings, while facing the minimum six batters and striking out three. During his one inning or work on Friday, his fastball spin rates ranged from 2100-2300 rpm, while his slider spun up to 2450 and he killed spin on a 1710 rpm changeup. With good makeup and a strong passion for the game Schwellenbach remains a top three round talent as a pitcher, and there are some teams who like him in that round as a shortstop as well.

Has generated a lot of buzz around the Midwest, as the 6-foot, 185-pound Nebraska recruit recently climbed his fastball up to 95. Although he didn’t show that kind of velocity Saturday, Schwellenbach was equally as effective in his two-inning relief stint for the Chicago Scouts Association.  Schwellenbach pitched at 87-90, and pounded the zone with his 75-78 mph slider, which is a sharp and tight offering, a true put-away pitch. He struck out five in two innings while throwing 72-percent strikes with his three-pitch arsenal.

6-foot, 190 pound legit two-way Nebraska commit is the #1 player in the 2018 class for Michigan. In the infield clears his hips well working through the ball showcasing soft hands. Effortlessly fires the ball across the diamond from a high 3/4 arm angle. At the plate uses a balanced stance with his hands chest high and a knee bend. Has a front leg lift load with a quick swing, the ball jumps off his bat. Crushed the ball up the middle. On the mound uses a clean and easy delivery throwing from a high 3/4 arm motion. Fastball with no effort sat 88-91 mph with late run. 12/6 breaking curve with tilt 70-71 mph and a sinking change up 77-79 mph
Home to 1st: 4.19
Exit Velo: 91 mph
Inf Velo: 88 mph

7/30/15
5-foot-11, 160-pound two-way prospect. An advanced approach in the field, moves through ground balls well while throwing 84 mph across the diamond. Ran a 7.21 60 yard dash. Hits with a minor leg trigger from an upright approach, while maintaining his bat in the zone. Simple delivery on the mound while using slight rock back prior to delivering. Throws from a high 3/4 angle sitting 84-86 mph along with a slow breaking 70-72 mph curve ball.

10/26/14
5-foot-10, 150-pound two-way prospect. Quick high ¾ arm slot with clean mechanics and good tempo. Fastball has some arm side run at 79-83 mph. Changeup with good sink at 66-68 mph. Plus fluid actions with footwork and glove at shortstop. Threw 76 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.26 60-yard dash. Narrow open stance, strides to an even stance at the plate. Creates good rhythm with quick hands to the baseball getting good extension through his swing. Bat speed registered at 74 mph.