Sam
Bachman

2021 MLB Draft: Bachman stands a strong and durable 6-foot-1, 230 pounds and possesses two explosive pitches in his fastball and slider, as well as a changeup that grades as plus. The fastball is elite, as he can maintain the high 90s throughout an appearance and touch triple digits, and it has spin rates in the 2500s. The slider is at least above average with a chance to be plus-plus, sitting at 88-90. His changeup has similar velo, getting good fade and is especially effective against left-handed hitters.

Full throttle out of the gates during his Saturday morning start against Kent State, Bachman pumped 101 on my radar gun (104 on the scoreboard, 102 on another scout’s gun) and sat 97-99 throughout the first inning. With fastball spin rates consistently in the 2500s he maintained this velo, sitting 96-98 during his last inning of work. His advertised 70-grade slider was not seen on this look, but as his primary pitch he did throw it early and often, showing a couple plus and several 55-grade along the way. Most were average to below with his hand opening early and his 88-90 mph slider backing up. This same hand position at release greatly benefits his present plus-grade changeup, which creates good fade and was especially effective against left-handed hitters. Bachman’s change-of-pace also has an identical velo range to his slider. Going forward, he may benefit by some separation between the two, adding a bit more to his slider and subtracting a couple mph from his change. Totaling an efficient 77 pitches over seven innings, he took the loss, allowing just three hits and one walk with 11 punchouts. The Golden Flashes were able to exploit a large weakness in Bachman’s game; defending his position. He is long to the plate and did not show the ability to turn bunt attempts into outs. His throws to first base after fielding the baseball were tentative and awkward. At the pro level this weakness should diminish because nobody bunts and nobody steals besides the Padres and Royals. However, for the present, the college game is much more demanding in this area. Bachman unquestionably has first round stuff. The primary factor MLB clubs are likely considering in regards to how high he will be selected in the top round has to do with his athleticism. While he is strong built and durable at 6-foot-1, 230-pounds, his agility is shy of what teams generally aim for when investing a top tier bonus in first round talent. No matter where Bachman is ultimately selected, it was great to see another prospect improving and moving in the right direction for this summer’s draft.

Another Friday MAC arm, Bachman burst onto the scene as a freshman, immediately stepping into the RedHawks rotation and earning All-MAC honors (7-1, 3.93). Sturdily built with an XL frame, the righthander is listed at 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, though he’s noticeably tightened up his physique since my prior viewing in July. His coaches attribute the physical transformation to an increased focus on nutrition combined with his already exemplary work ethic. Working from a lower arm slot, he creates tough angles for righthanders which is amplified by the arm side tail of the fastball. The heater sat in the 94-to-96 mph velo band for the duration of my viewing and has reportedly been up to 99 mph a subsequent outing. At 83-to-87 mph and tunneling with his fastball, his slider is a put away pitch that will miss plenty of bats at the next level. He produced a 100% whiff rate on the slider in a recent scrimmage, eliciting 11 empty swings in the process. He also showed feel for his changeup, an 85-to-87 mph offering thrown with deceptive arm speed that effectively neutralizes lefties. The big righthander should have plenty of decision makers flocking to Oxford this spring to see him take the bump, and another solid season could land him squarely in Day One territory.

At 6-foot-5, 235 pounds the wide-shouldered, XL-framed right-hander showed good stuff, albeit with lower pitchability. Although five of the six outs he recorded were by strikeout, Bachman struggled to keep runners off base during his two inning stint giving up several hits and walking a pair. With only six walks in 31 IP this past spring, my look may have just been the exception to his otherwise solid control. He was also long to the plate and struggled to hold runners, giving up three stolen bases. His most effective pitch was an above-average sinking changeup thrown in the mid-80s with spin rates ranging from the low-1500s to the upper-1900s. He again led the league in fastball velocity this week, touching 95.2 (2390 SR) with his best bolt. His third pitch was a below average slider thrown 83-86 mph (2200-2400 SR). Most of his breakers backed up to his armside, although he did flash an average one that dove out of the zone to his gloveside for a ball. He’s a potential mid-day Two pick in 2021 and profiles as a reliever at the pro level.

6/13/17:  Stocky 6-foot-1, 205 pound right-hander had a dominant inning at the TPG.  Striking out 4 and getting a weak ground ball to first base, Bachman showed increase feel and mound presence.  Sitting 89-90 with just about every fastball, he was much more comfortable attacking the strike zone.  Breaking ball was 71-75 with late depth.  Clean, loose arm swing.   Hips open, foot squared at land.  Finishes through a firm front foot.  High follow in 2018 class. 

3/29/17 Game Notes: 6-foot-1 205 pound uncommitted right-hander sat 86-88, touching 89 twice in his first inning of work.  Breaking ball has 11/5 shape with late depth at 74-76.  Delivery has a short arm swing with some rhythm.  Creates separation and lands square.  Athletic finish.  Second inning he sat 84-87 with the fastball.  Lost command for a few batters but then finished with a strikeout to get out of a jam.

2/19/17: Thick, broad-shouldered 6-foot-1 205-pound frame. Fastball (88-90) saw a jump in velocity since his outing at the Future Games in August (85-86). Bachman repeats an athletic motion that delivers out of a high ¾ slot. He gets great extension with strong push off his back side that allows him to get far down the mound. Bachman’s breaking ball shows tight spin and tilt at 73-75, but still looks like he is tinkering between a curveball and slider. As he continues to gain feel and touch for the pitch, it has a chance to become a true swing and miss in the future. Bachman’s changeup is still a developing pitch, right now, as his hand gets under it at times, and he slows down his arm a bit. 

8/4/16:  The 6-foot, 195 pound right-hander showcased a short, quick arm action at PBR Future Games.  Delivery has some rhythm while maintaining good direction.  Breaking ball has 11/5 shape at 72-74 with the ability to throw it for a strike.  Fastball ran up to 86, while sitting 83-85.