As the 2023 baseball season unfolded, a detailed analysis of starting pitchers' arsenals shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of various players. The evaluation was based on a comprehensive grading system that took into account the effectiveness of each pitcher's pitches.
The top performers in terms of Grade-Point Averages (GPAs) included pitchers like Zack Wheeler, Pablo Lopez, and Spencer Strider. Wheeler, in particular, showcased exceptional skills with his four-seamer and sinker earning top grades. Lopez also demonstrated promise with his four-seamer and sinker receiving high marks.
On the other hand, established pitchers like Blake Snell and Gerrit Cole found themselves slightly lower in the rankings. Snell's four-seamer performance was average, while Cole's pitches earned decent grades but not exceptional ones.
Young talents such as Bailey Ober and Johan Oviedo also made a mark with their impressive pitches. Ober's four-seamer stood out, while Oviedo's offspeed pitches showed strength despite his upcoming absence due to surgery.
Another group of pitchers, including Max Scherzer and Dylan Cease, displayed a mix of performances. Cease, in particular, experienced a decline in his GPA compared to the previous season, mainly due to issues with his knuckle-curve.
Notable names like Yu Darvish, Aaron Nola, and Mitch Keller were part of a cluster in the middle range of GPAs. Darvish's diverse pitch arsenal posed challenges, while Nola and Keller faced hurdles with specific pitches that needed improvement.
Lastly, pitchers like Kyle Hendricks and Logan Webb showcased contrasting performances. Hendricks excelled with his changeup but struggled with his four-seamer, while Webb's success was attributed to his changeup despite weaknesses in other pitches.
The analysis provided valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of starting pitchers in the 2023 season, offering a glimpse into their potential future performances.
