STARTERS: Very early command sub-indicator surgers, 2021

It's still way too early to put significant stock into early-season skills, especially aggregate measures like strikeouts and walks. But looking into the components that drive them can be a helpful early-season exercise, since they represent larger sample sizes.

First, these SP have posted a big increase in their swinging strike rate from 2020 to 2021:

  • Swinging Strike Rate (SwK%) - 2021 YTD vs. 2020*
    
    Name                 League  SwK% '21  SwK% '20  Diff
    ===================  ======  ========  ========  =====
    May, Dustin              NL     14.1%      7.8%  +6.3%
    Javier, Cristian         AL     12.8%      8.1%  +4.7%
    Burnes, Corbin           NL     19.4%     14.8%  +4.6%
    Alcantara, Sandy         NL     14.0%     10.4%  +3.6%
    Walker,...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Starting Pitchers

The underlying command gains of Cade Povich in the second half bode well for his ability to take a step forward in 2026.
Sep 6 2025 3:10am
Sean Manaea's ugly August ERA hid an impressive foundation of skills that could lead him to a much better showing in September.
Aug 30 2025 3:09am
Shane Baz's volatility can be traced back to some significant struggles against lefty bats.
Aug 23 2025 3:09am
Andrew Abbott's shiny surface stats are hiding a shaky foundation of skills when he pitches at home.
Aug 16 2025 3:09am
Cristopher Sanchez's elite second half results have been driven by similarly elite underlying skills.
Aug 9 2025 3:09am

Tools