Dylan Cease, the Blue Jays' right-hander, is making waves in the MLB with his newly refined changeup. This isn't your typical changeup; it's a 'Bugs Bunny' pitch, as Cease describes it, with a velocity of 78.3 mph, making it more of a trick than a reliable offering. But Cease is now treating it like a real pitch, and the results are impressive. He's using it 19% of the time against left-handed hitters, generating a 63% whiff rate, which is the second highest off any changeup in the Majors this season.
Cease's changeup is unique in its movement profile, with a drop of only 9.6 inches, which is the lowest among all qualified changeups. This 'riding' changeup averages 15.7 inches of induced vertical break, similar to a four-seam fastball. Hitters are struggling against it, with a 79% flail rate, meaning they're swinging for pitches beyond their barrel. This is a testament to the effectiveness of Cease's new approach, despite the pitch's wonky movement.
Cease's journey to mastering this changeup is an intriguing one. He's a natural supinator, which makes throwing changeups challenging. But with the help of the Blue Jays' coaching staff and player development personnel, he's found a grip that works. This is a prime example of modern pitching development, where pitchers can easily share and experiment with different grips and techniques. The process of finding what works for you is now easier, thanks to advancements in coaching and player development.
Cease's changeup is still a work in progress, but it's clear that he's making progress. He's treating it like a real pitch, with arm speed and body movement, and the results are speaking for themselves. As he continues to refine his arsenal, Cease is pitching like an ace, and his future looks bright. The question remains: can he maintain this form and become a consistent Cy Young contender?
Personally, I think Cease's changeup is a fascinating development in pitching. It's a testament to the power of modern coaching and player development, and it's exciting to see how he continues to evolve as a pitcher. What makes this particularly fascinating is the way Cease has embraced the challenge of throwing a changeup, despite his natural supinator tendencies. In my opinion, this is a story of resilience and innovation in the world of baseball.
