In baseball, constant innovation is a norm. One of the latest trends in the pitching world is the “kick change”, a pitch that is rapidly gaining popularity among MLB pitchers.
The Kick Change: A New Weapon in the Arsenal
The “kick change” is a hybrid between a changeup and a splitter, combining the mechanics of the changeup with the movement of the splitter. It is characterized by a specific grip in which the middle finger is slightly raised from the ball, modifying its rotation and generating a downward movement. This pitch, thrown at a higher speed, has proven effective in destabilizing batters.
“It’s a league of imitators. It always has been.”.
Jeremy Hefner, Mets Pitching Coach
This pitch has quickly gained followers, in part thanks to the ease with which it can be implemented and its effectiveness. Pitchers from different teams, including the Mets, have incorporated the “kick change” into their repertoire with notable success. The key is the ability to generate a vertical movement that surprises the batters.
The Mets and the “Kick Change”
Clay Holmes, Tylor Megill, and Griffin Canning, Mets pitchers, are examples of how the “kick change” is transforming the game. Holmes, who was adapting to his role as a starter, found in this pitch a valuable tool against left-handed hitters, complementing his existing arsenal. Megill, for his part, has used it to improve his performance, especially when facing left-handed hitters.
Canning, although he already had an effective traditional change, has also experimented with the “kick change”, finding an additional resource to confuse batters. The versatility of this pitch allows him to offer different perspectives to opponents, maintaining the same speed.
The Impact of “Kick Change”
The “kick change” has not only proven effective in the individual performance of pitchers, but has also influenced the dynamics of the game. The ability to generate missed swings and limit hits is a key factor in its success. The rapid adoption of this pitch reflects the constant evolution of baseball, driven by technology and data analysis.
The “kick change” is an example of how innovation in pitching can make a difference on the field. As more pitchers incorporate it into their repertoire, its impact on the game will surely continue to grow.
