During the “laboratory” phase of fantasy baseball season, the spotlight often shines on starting pitchers who are introducing new or refined pitches. Developing additional pitches can be crucial for enhancing performance, as it opens up new avenues for pitching strategy and keeps batters guessing instead of just focusing on fastballs.
However, this venture can backfire. If these new pitches aren’t fully mastered, they can lead to erratic control, wasted pitches that increase walk rates, or poorly executed strikes that get hit hard.
A good case in point is Chase Barnes. The Reds pitcher, known for his high velocity, reportedly has been making remarkable improvements to his changeup and curveball during spring training. A reliable changeup can be a game-changer, especially for a right-handed pitcher facing tough left-handed lineups.
If Barnes can successfully utilize these secondary pitches, he might evolve from merely a rotation player to a top-tier fantasy starter.
On the flip side, if he struggles with his new curveball, he might find himself behind in counts, relying heavily on fastballs that MLB hitters can time easily.
If the changes in his slider mechanics affect his fastball, it could compromise what makes it so effective, potentially exposing him to more hits.
Ultimately, the “new pitch” narrative is a gamble for fantasy managers. If successful, these changes can yield significant returns, but if things go south, it could lead to inflated stats. There’s always that risk: a pitcher might chase the allure of new pitches and lose their foundational skills, resulting in worse ERA and WHIP stats. On a brighter note, sometimes those risks pay off with breakout performances that lead to league success.
