As spring training camps open for the new baseball season, it's time to reflect on the standout performances of the past year. One key aspect of a pitcher's arsenal is their ability to deliver effective pitches, and the cutter pitch has been a focus of analysis.
Among starting pitchers who threw 135 or more innings in the previous season, the cutter pitch stood out as the 5th best in terms of overall effectiveness. It ranked well in both contact management and bat-missing capabilities, making it a crucial weapon for pitchers.
Leading the pack in 2023 was Houston Astros' left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez, who received an impressive 'A+' grade for his cutter pitch. Valdez showcased a remarkable 20.3% whiff rate, the highest among qualifiers, despite facing some challenges in contact management. His pitch-specific Adjusted Contact Score of 120 highlighted his ability to generate swings and misses.
Valdez's cutter pitch, thrown at an average velocity of 85.7 mph with high spin (2592 rpm), proved to be a formidable weapon. Despite some unlucky outcomes, Valdez managed to limit hitters to a .220 batting average on grounders off his cutter, showcasing his skill in inducing ground balls.
Other notable pitchers who excelled with their cutter pitches included Max Scherzer, Aaron Nola, and Marcus Stroman. Scherzer and Nola ranked highly in pitch-specific whiff rates, while Stroman demonstrated exceptional contact management with his cutter.
While Valdez secured the top spot with his outstanding performance, several other pitchers earned 'B+' grades for their cutters, showcasing a diverse range of skills in both bat-missing and contact management.
On the flip side, some pitchers struggled with their cutter pitches, with Martin Perez and Rich Hill receiving lower grades due to challenges in bat-missing and contact management, respectively.
Overall, the analysis of cutter pitches in 2023 revealed a mix of velocities, spin rates, and movement patterns. Despite variations in these factors, the top performers consistently demonstrated their ability to keep hitters off balance and generate favorable outcomes.
