Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | SEA | RHP | 36 | 35 |
Grades Update: Nov 2020
| OFP | Role | FB | CB | CH | Cnt/Cmd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 30 | 45 | 40 | 55 | 50/50 |
Nov 2020 Report
Evaluator: Nick Stillman
Age: 24 yr
Height: 5-11
Weight: 185 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2018 Undrafted
RuleV: 2022
Physical Description: Sweet's short, wide frame is filled out with a thick lower half that he uses to generate his velocity. He's an above average athlete who moves well on and off the mound, relying on rhythm to repeat delivery.
Delivery & Mechanics: A quick worker, Sweet rocks and fires through a high 3/4th slot. A clean and simple delivery that features modest effort. Sweet has the athleticism to repeat the delivery but the reliance on balance and rhythm can lead to inconsistency as he fatigues.
Fastball: While the fastball took a jump in 2019 (he scrapped an ineffective two seamer) and is now up to 90-93, t95, it is still a fringe-average offering with decent ride at the top of the zone. He gets the most out of it, though, as it tunnels with the changeup and has enough command to keep hitters off the barrel. He knows how to use the pitch and works it up in the zone for punchouts, but will struggle to get the same results against more advanced competition. Grade: 45
Curveball: Sweet's breaking pitch has been labeled a slider and a curve, and the lack of industry consensus are indicative of the lack of a distinctive shape or action. While it might be two separate pitches, the breaking pitch has a slight hump and some 3/4th tilt that Sweet lands for strikes. It can flash average when he buries it, but it plays best on the edges of the zone as it's not tempting enough when off the plate. To stick as a starter, Sweet will need to refine his breaking pitch to keep hitters from staying on the fastball the second and third time through the order. Grade: 40
Changeup: Sweet's premier offering, his changeup has plus action, with late fade and sink that resembles a splitter. It's a swing and miss pitch that carries his profile and elevates the rest of his arsenal. He can throw it to lefties and righties, in the zone or diving below. It will still straighten out and get crushed on occasion, but it is an impressive major league caliber offering. Further development and consistency are what will make or break his chance at a major league role. Grade: 55
Control and Command: With average to above control and average command, Sweet is consistently around the plate with all three of his pitches. He will locate at the top of the zone with the fastball and drop the changeup on the edge or bury it with enough regularity that hitters have a tough time laying off. Will leave some floating or drifting into the heart of the plate but there's enough command for a starter profile. Control: 50 | Command: 50
Overall: Sweet has seen major improvement in his profile from undrafted flier, to reliever, to a starter who saw great results in the low minors. He relies on a plus change that he can sink or fade to put guys away and keep them off of an average fastball. His breaking pitch is infrequent and inconsistent. Despite possessing the command and stamina of a starter, his repertoire still best profiles in the pen as a multi-inning relief option. If his breaking ball takes a big step forward he may stick in the rotation, but his easiest and most likely path to the big leagues is to lean on his best pitch and hope the fastball ticks up in shorter stints.
OFP: 35
Role: 30 - Up/Down Emergency Depth
Risk: High
