Three Starting Pitchers Who Gained Stuff and Command
In the world of fantasy baseball, the ability to identify pitchers who are on the rise is a valuable skill. This week, we delve into the stories of three starting pitchers who have made significant strides in their stuff and command, offering insights into their potential impact on the field.
Emerson Hancock: A Rising Star in the Mariners' Rotation
Emerson Hancock, once on the periphery of the Mariners' rotation, has emerged as a standout performer. His transformation is evident in his strikeout-to-walk percentage (K-BB%), which has soared to a career-high 20.3%. This improvement is attributed to a variety of factors, including enhanced pitch quality and strategic adjustments.
Improved Stuff
Hancock's Stuff+ rating, a measure of pitch quality, has skyrocketed from below average to an impressive 102. This surge is largely driven by the introduction of a new cutter and curveball, both of which grade out well. However, the standout improvement lies in his sweeping slider, which has gained a remarkable 124 Stuff+ rating, up from 104 last year. This change in pitch selection has had a significant impact on his performance.
The sweeper, now with increased vertical and horizontal movement, has become a nightmare for right-handed hitters, boasting a .144 wOBA and .122 xwOBA. Hancock's strategic use of this pitch, particularly against righties, has led to a 30.3% increase in usage compared to last year, further enhancing his overall performance.
Enhanced Command
Hancock's command has also seen a notable improvement, particularly with his four-seam and sinker pitches. By throwing these pitches lower and in a more consistent horizontal location, he has generated a 62.2% groundball rate from the sinker, up from 50.7% last season. This adjustment has resulted in better outcomes, despite the sinker still being crushed by left-handed hitters.
The lower arm angle adopted by Hancock has played a pivotal role in his improved command. This change in mechanics has made his four-seam pitch harder to square up, theoretically giving him an edge over batters.
Gavin Williams: Command and Control Take Center Stage
Gavin Williams, a pitcher who has historically struggled with command and control, has made significant strides this season. His ball rate has decreased to 32%, and his swinging-strike rate has increased to 13.6%, resulting in a career-best K-BB% of 21.1%. These improvements are supported by enhanced Stuff+ and Location+ ratings.
Elite Curveball
Williams' curveball has climbed to a 113 Stuff+ rating, showcasing above-average downward and horizontal movement. This pitch has proven to be highly effective against right-handed hitters, allowing a mere .112 wOBA and .094 xwOBA. However, its effectiveness against lefties has diminished, with a .317 wOBA and .319 xwOBA allowed this season.
Improved Four-Seamer
Williams' four-seamer, once hovering around average, has jumped 5 points to a 104 Stuff+ rating. This pitch relies more on arm-side run than induced vertical break, generating weak contact despite allowing a .361 wOBA and .381 xwOBA against right-handed hitters.
Command and Control
Williams has also made strides in locating his sinker and cutter, both of which have improved significantly in terms of Stuff+ and Location+. However, his cutter might not be a significant factor due to its poor performance against left-handed hitters.
Roki Sasaki: A Pitcher's Journey Back from Injury
Roki Sasaki, who missed most of the 2025 season due to a right shoulder impingement, has emerged with above-average stuff and a notable jump in Stuff+ ratings. His three primary pitches have all improved, with a significant 22-point increase in the splitter's Stuff+ rating.
Soft Splitter and Forkball
Sasaki's splitter forkball, softer than his splitter, features a low spin rate, resembling a knuckleball. This pitch, combined with his splitter, boasts high-end command grades, leading to an overall Location+ improvement.
Enhanced Slider and Four-Seamer
Sasaki's slider has also seen a 18-point jump in Location+, with the models favoring the gyro-like slider over the sweeper. His four-seamer command has improved, with a 118 Location+ in recent outings, up from 83 last year. However, the heater continues to be a challenge, especially when left in the heart of the zone.
In conclusion, these three pitchers have demonstrated the transformative power of improved stuff and command. Hancock, Williams, and Sasaki have all made significant strides, offering valuable insights for fantasy baseball managers and coaches alike. Their journeys serve as a reminder that growth and improvement can take time, and patience is key in the world of baseball.
