Unveiling the Top 5 Changeups of 2024: Which Pitcher Will Surprise You?
Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2025 3:56 pm
As we gear up for the 2025 fantasy baseball season, the spotlight is on the changeup—a pitch that can make or break a pitcher's effectiveness. Recently, a deep dive into the top five changeups of 2024 revealed some intriguing insights that could spark some lively discussions among us fantasy enthusiasts.
First off, let's talk about Austin Gomber. Despite a less-than-stellar season with a 4.75 ERA, his changeup was a standout, boasting a 26.3% CSW. This raises an interesting question: can a single elite pitch salvage a pitcher's fantasy value, or do you think a well-rounded repertoire is essential for sustained success?
Then there's Logan Webb, whose changeup had a staggering 52.3% chase rate. However, he faced challenges with quality contact against his other pitches. This brings us to a bold prediction: will Webb's reliance on his changeup ultimately limit his ceiling, or can he evolve his game to become a top-tier fantasy asset?
Bailey Ober's changeup also caught attention, with impressive metrics that suggest he could be a hidden gem in fantasy leagues. Are there any under-the-radar pitchers you believe could break out this season based on their pitch profiles?
And let's not forget about Michael Wacha, who has consistently delivered solid performances thanks to his changeup. He exemplifies the Toby archetype—valuable but not flashy. How do you weigh the value of consistency versus high strikeout potential when drafting pitchers for your fantasy team?
Lastly, Chris Paddack's situation is a cautionary tale. With an elite changeup but a lack of complementary pitches, can he find a way to develop a secondary weapon, or is he destined to remain a one-pitch wonder?
I want to hear your thoughts! Which changeup do you think will have the biggest impact in 2025? Are there any pitchers you’re targeting or avoiding based on their changeup performance? Let’s dive into the nuances of pitching and how they can shape our fantasy strategies this season!
First off, let's talk about Austin Gomber. Despite a less-than-stellar season with a 4.75 ERA, his changeup was a standout, boasting a 26.3% CSW. This raises an interesting question: can a single elite pitch salvage a pitcher's fantasy value, or do you think a well-rounded repertoire is essential for sustained success?
Then there's Logan Webb, whose changeup had a staggering 52.3% chase rate. However, he faced challenges with quality contact against his other pitches. This brings us to a bold prediction: will Webb's reliance on his changeup ultimately limit his ceiling, or can he evolve his game to become a top-tier fantasy asset?
Bailey Ober's changeup also caught attention, with impressive metrics that suggest he could be a hidden gem in fantasy leagues. Are there any under-the-radar pitchers you believe could break out this season based on their pitch profiles?
And let's not forget about Michael Wacha, who has consistently delivered solid performances thanks to his changeup. He exemplifies the Toby archetype—valuable but not flashy. How do you weigh the value of consistency versus high strikeout potential when drafting pitchers for your fantasy team?
Lastly, Chris Paddack's situation is a cautionary tale. With an elite changeup but a lack of complementary pitches, can he find a way to develop a secondary weapon, or is he destined to remain a one-pitch wonder?
I want to hear your thoughts! Which changeup do you think will have the biggest impact in 2025? Are there any pitchers you’re targeting or avoiding based on their changeup performance? Let’s dive into the nuances of pitching and how they can shape our fantasy strategies this season!