Michael Plassmeyer
Michael Plassmeyer
Position: LHP
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 197 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/L
Born: 11/05/1996
College: University of Missouri
Drafted: 4th round, 118th Overall, 2018 (Mariners)
How Acquired: Minor League Free Agent
Bonus: $425,000
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: Yes
Minor League Free Agency: 2024
Options Left: 1
Overview
The Mariners drafted Plassmeyer in the 4th round in 2018, then traded him after that season. He’s been traded twice more since then. A starter throughout his time as a pro, he dominated the low minors, but after missing the 2020 season, mostly struggled in AA and AAA. In the low minors he reportedly threw 90-92 mph, but now he sits at 89. Plassmeyer throws an average slider and change, and relies heavily on command. He’s usually had solid K rates, but he’s had serious gopher ball problems since he got to the upper minors.
2018-20
Plassmeyer put up impressive numbers in short-season ball after signing, with 44 strikeouts and just four walks in 24 innings. Seattle traded him to the Rays after the season and he dominated in five starts in Low Class A, earning a promotion to High A. He had a 2.12 ERA there through the rest of the season, but his K rate dropped sharply. He didn’t pitch in 2020.
2021-22
Plassmeyer was traded at mid-season in both 2021 and 2022, going from the Rays to the Giants to the Phillies. He mostly struggled in AA in 2021, despite good walk (1.9 BB/9) and K (10.2 K/9) rates. The Giants moved him up to AAA in 2022 and he had a very rough time, with a 7.38 ERA and 15 home runs allowed in just 46.1 IP. Plassmeyer pitched much better with the Phillies after the trade, putting up a 2.41 ERA in 16 starts, although he still allowed a dozen gopher balls in 82 innings. The Phillies called him up twice, once in August and once at the very end of the season. In two relief appearances, he gave up three runs over seven and a third innings.
2023-24
The Phillies sent Plassmeyer back to AAA in 2023 and he went back to struggling. Over 67.2 IP, he gave up ten home runs and a 5.05 ERA. His control also wasn’t great, as he walked four per nine innings. The Phillies released Plassmeyer in late June and signed him to a minor league deal three days later. Plassmeyer missed much of the season after May 30 with an unknown injury. He pitched much better after returning to AAA at the end of August, giving up just four earned runs in 23.2 IP. The Phillies called him up for one start at the end of September and he got shelled. After the season they outrighted him and he elected free agency.
The Pirates signed Plassmeyer to a minor league deal for 2024 and he spent the season as a swing man for Indianapolis. He had very good walk and K rates, but he got hit around a good bit. Opponents batted .327 and slugged a whopping .575 against him. The result was a 7.93 ERA.
Stats
Transactions
June 5, 2018: Drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 4th round, 118th overall pick; signed on June 12.
November 8, 2018: Traded by the Seattle Mariners with Mike Zunino and Guillermo Heredia to the Tampa Bay Rays for Mallex Smith and Jake Fraley.
June 11, 2021: Traded by the Tampa Bay Rays to the San Francisco Giants for Matt Wisler and cash.
June 8, 2022: Traded by the San Francisco Giants with cash to the Philadelphia Phillies for Austin Wynns.
August 22, 2022: Contract purchased by the Philadelphia Phillies.
June 20, 2023: Released by the Philadelphia Phillies.
June 23, 2023: Signed as a minor league free agent by the Philadelphia Phillies.
September 30, 2023: Called up by the Philadelphia Phillies.
November 6, 2023: Outrighted to AAA by the Philadelphia Phillies; became a free agent.
December 29, 2023: Signed as a minor league free agent by the Pittsburgh Pirates.