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Beyond Fastballs: Rockies Pitchers Embrace Diverse Mix
22 Aug
Summary
- Rockies pitching strategy shifted away from four-seam fastballs.
- Pitchers are experimenting with varied pitch types and speeds.
- Staff ERA has fallen, but remains the league's worst.
The Colorado Rockies are actively overhauling their pitching strategy, evidenced by a notable decrease in four-seam fastball usage. In 2025, four-seamers comprised 41.4% of pitches; by 2026, this dropped to 28.9%. Instead, the team is increasing the use of cutters, sinkers, and splitters, encouraging pitchers to develop varied arsenals and pitch mixes. This shift reflects an organizational philosophy of seeking diverse pitching styles rather than a singular mold.
Individual pitchers exemplify this evolving approach. For instance, Kyle Freeland utilizes six pitches, while Tomoyuki Sugano employs seven, showcasing mix-and-match strategies. Even relievers like Zach Agnos are expanding their repertoires. The goal is to present hitters with multiple problems, forcing them to account for varied speeds and pitch shapes.
While this experimentation has led to improvements, such as a decrease in staff ERA from 5.99 in 2025 to 5.51 in 2026, the Rockies still face significant challenges. Their FIP improved to 4.84, and home run rates decreased, indicating progress. However, the pitching staff remains below league average, and the fundamental question persists: can the Rockies find enough quality pitchers to execute their new strategy effectively?
