34. Robert Gsellman, RHP
Height: 6’4
Weight: 200
DOB: 7/18/93 (Age: 20)
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Fastball: 50/55 Change-Up: 50/60 Curveball: 45/55 Command: 50/60
Gsellman, a 13th round pick out of California in the 2011 draft, started the season with an aggressive assignment in High-A St. Lucie. His stint in the Florida State League would be short lived and he would head to Savannah in the Sally League. Gsellman would toss 29 innings for the Sand Gnats, posting a 3.72 ERA. Once June’s MLB Draft came and the Mets filled out their rosters, Robert was sent to short-season A-ball to pitch for the Brooklyn Cyclones– a much more reasonable assignment for a 19/20-year old. Gsellman would go on to have a stellar season in Brooklyn, finishing with with a 2.06 ERA. The big righty would strike out 64 Penn-League batters in 70 innings (8.2 K/9) while walking just 12 (1.5 BB/9). For his efforts, he was named the Pitcher of the Year for the Mets New York-Penn league affiliate.
On the mound, Gsellman has a great pitchers build and is an athletic kid. He repeats his delivery well, and shows solid mechanics for a player his age. His fastball sits 90-92 with arm-side movement, but tops out in the mid-90’s when he reaches back for some extra. He shows advanced control of the fastball, working both sides of the plate and hitting his spots. Gsellman’s best pitch is currently his change-up, a low 80’s offering with good depth that tricks hitters due to his good arm speed. The breaking ball, a curve, sits 81-83 that is a work in progress. Gsellman doesn’t get on top of the curve consistently which leads to more of a slurvy action rather than the sharp 11-5 breaker he flashes at times.
Outlook: There’s a lot to like about this pitcher. He’s got a big, solid frame that seems built for pitching. He could fill out as he matures and that could lead to a velocity spike. The mechanics from his 3/4 delivery are sound. Otherwise he shows good command for a teenager and has the chance for a solid three-pitch mix on the mound. There’s a chance for a nice 4/5 starter here.
MMN Top 40 Prospects
34. Robert Gsellman