Spencer Strider led Major League Baseball in strikeouts last season, and it wasn’t particularly close. The flame-throwing starter has one of baseball’s most electric fastballs to go along with an impressive slider and developing changeup. He really didn’t need another pitch.
That’s what makes Strider’s decision to add a curveball to his arsenal so devastating for opposing hitters. Strider was already among the most difficult pitchers to face in baseball, and he decided to spend the offseason working on a way to make life even worse for hitters.
This spring, Strider has made four appearances with a 0.00 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 14 innings pitched. That curveball is a huge reason why because, I mean, look at this:
What is a hitter even supposed to do there?
It’s already difficult enough to deal with triple-digit heat while also accounting for a slider and changeup. But the overlay really shows why Strider is so difficult to face. He’s consistent with his delivery, cadence and arm slot regardless of the pitch. He gives the hitter very little to read, which leads to plenty of guessing and off-balanced swings.
That overlay had MLB fans feeling sorry for anyone who faces Strider this season.