Nick Wittgren Stats & Scouting Report

IP	7.2
ERA	3.52
WHIP	1.57
BB/9	2.35
SO/9	4.7

Full name Nicholas James Wittgren
Born 05/29/1991 in Torrance, CA
Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 216 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Purdue
Debut 04/19/2016
Drafted in the 9th round (287th overall) by the Miami Marlins in 2012 (signed for $128,800).

View Draft Report

Not only did Purdue end a 103-year Big Ten Conference title drought this spring, but it also should have three players selected in the top 10 rounds of the draft for the first time ever. Catcher Kevin Plawecki and third baseman Cameron Perkins do most of the heavy lifting for the offense, while Wittgren has been lights out as a closer in two years with Boilermakers and in the Cape Cod League last summer. The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder repeatedly gets swings and misses with his fastball, which sits at 88-91 mph and peaks at 93. His deceptive delivery allows his heater to jump on hitters and seem much quicker. His curveball is an average second pitch, a hard 76-80 mph breaker that he can throw for strikes. A good athlete, Wittgren was better known as a shortstop in high school and became a full-time pitcher at Parkland (Ill.) JC in 2010.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Wittgren, Mets catcher Kevin Plawecki and Phillies outfielder Cam Perkins helped Purdue end a 103- year Big Ten Conference title drought in 2012, a year that saw all three drafted in the first nine rounds. Only Plawecki has reached the majors, but Wittgren took a big step toward those heights with a bounce back in 2015. The Marlins took note and added him to the 40-man roster in November. Wittgren doesn't have the typical, big-time velocity of a closer. He sits 90-93 mph, but hitters still take uncomfortable swings. His fastball has life down in the zone with crispness and deception. Wittgren can vary his delivery, using a quick step at times to confuse hitters. The curveball is solid-average with his changeup average at times. He fields his position and holds runners well. His stuff is a little short for a big league closer, so he may fit better as a seventh- or eighth-inning bridge. He could challenge for a big league bullpen spot in 2016.
Purdue's all-time saves leader, Wittgren led the Florida State League with 25 in 2013. Wittgren's 90-93 mph fastball plays up because of natural deception in his delivery. He throws his average breaking ball down and toward the back foot of lefthanded hitters or backdoors it versus righties. Early in 2013, Wittgren's breaking ball featured a bit of hump, but it got crisper as the season progressed. His changeup can be effective, but he hasn't thrown it much as a closer. He fields his position and holds on runners well. His stuff is a little short for a big league closer, so he may fit better as a seventh- or eighth-inning bridge. He likely will move quickly through the system and could arrive in Miami in 2014.

Draft Prospects

Not only did Purdue end a 103-year Big Ten Conference title drought this spring, but it also should have three players selected in the top 10 rounds of the draft for the first time ever. Catcher Kevin Plawecki and third baseman Cameron Perkins do most of the heavy lifting for the offense, while Wittgren has been lights out as a closer in two years with Boilermakers and in the Cape Cod League last summer. The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder repeatedly gets swings and misses with his fastball, which sits at 88-91 mph and peaks at 93. His deceptive delivery allows his heater to jump on hitters and seem much quicker. His curveball is an average second pitch, a hard 76-80 mph breaker that he can throw for strikes. A good athlete, Wittgren was better known as a shortstop in high school and became a full-time pitcher at Parkland (Ill.) JC in 2010.

Career Transactions

St. Paul Saints released RHP Nick Wittgren.
RHP Nick Wittgren assigned to St. Paul Saints from Wichita Wind Surge.
RHP Nick Wittgren assigned to Wichita Wind Surge.
Minnesota Twins signed free agent RHP Nick Wittgren to a minor league contract.
Kansas City Royals selected the contract of RHP Nick Wittgren from Omaha Storm Chasers.
Kansas City Royals selected the contract of RHP Nick Wittgren from Omaha Storm Chasers.
Omaha Storm Chasers activated RHP Nick Wittgren.
RHP Nick Wittgren assigned to Omaha Storm Chasers.