Dylan Cease, the Blue Jays' right-hander, is making waves in the Cy Young conversation with his newly refined changeup. This pitch, once described as a 'Bugs Bunny' offering, has evolved into a potent weapon in Cease's arsenal. The key difference lies in velocity and treatment: the new changeup sits at 84.2 mph, six miles per hour faster than its predecessor, and Cease is now treating it as a real pitch, focusing on arm speed and body movement. This shift has led to a 19% usage rate against left-handed hitters, resulting in a 63% whiff rate, the second-highest off any changeup in the Majors this season.
What makes this transformation particularly fascinating is the unique movement profile of Cease's changeup. It drops 9.6 inches less than comparable changeups, effectively acting as a 'riding' changeup. This is in stark contrast to the average four-seam fastball from a right-handed pitcher, which has 16.0 inches of induced vertical break. Hitters are struggling against Cease's changeup, with a 79% flail rate, the third-highest for any pitch this season. This success is not just about the pitch's shape; it's about how it complements Cease's heater, providing a change of speeds that beats hitters by forcing them to gear up for his high-velocity pitches.
Cease's journey to this point is a testament to modern pitching development. He has found success with a basic two-seam grip, a stark contrast to his 'Bugs Bunny' splitter grip. This evolution is facilitated by the ease of sharing and experimenting with grips, allowing pitchers to find what works best for them. Cease's natural supination, a challenge for changeups with arm-side movement, has been overcome with the help of the Blue Jays' coaching staff and player development personnel. The process is ongoing, with discussions to further refine the changeup's grip and movement.
In my opinion, Cease's changeup is a fascinating example of how a pitcher can transform a once-useless pitch into a potent weapon. It highlights the importance of velocity, treatment, and movement in modern pitching, and the role of coaching and player development in refining a pitcher's arsenal. As Cease continues to develop this pitch, he may just solidify his place in the Cy Young conversation, showcasing the art of pitching in a new and exciting light.
