Prep Baseball Illinois Pitcher of the Week: Ryan Schaffnit
April 2, 2025
RHP Ryan Schaffnit (Morton, 2025; Bradley commit) is arguably the most dominant pitcher in the state to begin the year, and he is already in some unchartered territory, taking home consecutive Pitcher of the Weeks honors, the first time it's ever been done since we started the award. The big right-hander fired a seven inning gem to help the Potters take down Tremont 2-0, earning Schaffnit his second ‘Pitcher of the Week’ award of the young spring.
The Potters looked to Schaffnit to help get them back on track, as they were on a three game losing streak heading into their Wednesday game with Tremont, and he answered in a big way. The Bradley commit fired seven shutout innings while only allowing two hits, one walk and striking out 14. Since this start, the Potters are now winners of four straight contests.
There’s a lot to like with Schaffnit, whether it be his 6-foot-6 frame, his 90 mph fastball, or his ability to just throw strikes with the level of ‘stuff’ that he possesses. He looks every bit the part of one of the top arms in Illinois, and his numbers back it up - boasting a perfect 3-0 record on the year with 21 innings pitched, just eight hits allowed, 37 strikeouts to only three walks, and a minuscule 0.33 ERA.
We're thankful for the POTW submissions we received from the coaches across the state. The players who garnered POTW consideration will earn a place within tomorrow's Diamond Notes story, so be on the lookout for that.
Scouting Report
RHP Ryan Schaffnit, Morton, 2025 Bradley commit, currently ranked No. 44 in the state. Got the start on the mound and was dominant as he threw a complete game shutout while striking out 14 batters and only allowed four runners on. Physical 6-foot-6, 213-pound frame. The right-hander threw with a clean, full arm action from a ¾ slot. Operated from a controlled sidesaddle delivery with a slight back knee bend, high leg lift, quick and free hips while landing towards the plate. Slight effort, generates velocity from the arm and uses the mound for plane. Fastball overpowered hitters while sitting 88-90 mph and topping 91 mph while collecting swing/miss. Slider also collected plenty of swing/miss while sitting 75-77 with sharp, late action. Mixed in a changeup that sat 78-79 with good sinking action. Very confident competitor on the mound.