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Pitcher's Edge: How Taillon Fights Father Time
21 Feb
Summary
- Jameson Taillon, 34, actively adds pitches to extend his MLB career.
- He focuses on 'what have you done for me lately?' to stay valuable.
- Taillon developed a potent kick change and sweeper in recent seasons.
In professional baseball, players over 30 often face the challenge of declining performance. Pitcher Jameson Taillon, now 34, exemplifies how modern technology and data analysis allow athletes to adapt and extend their careers.
Taillon has embraced this evolution, adding new pitches like the kick change and sweeper over the past few seasons. He acknowledges the competitive nature of the sport, stating, "Your track record now doesn't matter as much as it did back in the day." He actively seeks ways to gain an advantage, even aiming to regain lost fastball velocity.
The kick change, introduced last spring training, became a significant weapon, boasting a 36.6 percent whiff rate in the previous season. Paired with his sweeper's 30.3 percent whiff rate, it marks the first time he's had two pitches with over a 30 percent swing-and-miss rate in the same year.
Taillon emphasizes utilizing all available resources, including pitching and strength coaches, to "kick the aging curve the best I can." This proactive approach and willingness to adapt are crucial for his continued success in the league.
