The Grapefruit and Cactus League schedules are in full swing, prompting a reflection on the previous season with the annual 'Best Pitches' series. This analysis delves into the arsenals of starting pitchers who logged 135 or more innings, evaluating the effectiveness of their pitches based on bat-missing and contact management metrics.
Among the pitches scrutinized, sliders emerged as a complex yet impactful weapon on the mound. With a 14.9% whiff rate, second only to splitters, and a respectable 98.2 Adjusted Contact Score, sliders proved to be a formidable offering in the pitchers' repertoire. A total of 63 pitchers met the criteria for pitch evaluation.
One standout performer was RHP Spencer Strider of the Braves, whose slider earned an 'A+' grade. With a remarkable 109 Adjusted Contact Score and a 28.8% Whiff Rate, Strider's slider excelled in inducing swings and misses. Despite a high liner rate, Strider effectively managed ground ball contact with his slider.
Another notable pitcher was Sonny Gray, formerly with the Twins and now with the Cardinals, whose slider also received an 'A+' grade. Gray's slider showcased a balanced performance in both contact management and bat-missing capabilities. His sweeper pitch particularly stifled fly ball contact, earning high marks in that aspect.
Additional star performers included Pablo Lopez and Blake Snell, each impressing with multiple 'A' grade pitches in 2023. Lopez excelled in contact management, while Snell's slider stood out for its bat-missing prowess.
While several pitchers narrowly missed the 'A' grade, their sliders demonstrated commendable performance in either contact management or bat-missing. Notably, Logan Webb's slider was deemed the worst among qualifiers, highlighting deficiencies in both contact management and whiff rate.
Overall, the 2023 season showcased sliders of varying velocities and spin rates, with horizontal movement being a common trait. The diversity in slider performance underscores the nuanced artistry of pitching in baseball.
For a detailed breakdown of all 2023 qualifiers' slider pitch grades, refer to the accompanying table.
