Diagnosing a failed Kikuchi relaunch
Aug 16 2022
In the Arsenal Report we spend most of our words praising pitchers who have improved by changing their approach or pitch mix. This week is a little bit different, as our primary topic is a pitcher who had significant hype as a breakout candidate for 2022. Yusei Kikuchi (LHP, TOR) has made significant, sensible changes in 2022, but has gotten worse, giving us the opportunity to potentially learn from why he has struggled.
Kikuchi breakout still delayed
Kikuchi was one of the most popular free agent starting pitching targets prior to the 2022 season despite a career 4.97 ERA heading into the season. This was largely because of the potential that Kikuchi’s stuff showed despite a lack of results and control since his fastball velocity...
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 Arsenal Report
Nick Lodolo has been struggling, though the underlying metrics look better than the surface numbers. Also, how is Framber Valdez finding success?
Aug 30 2024 3:03am
Aug 30 2024 3:03am
Taj Bradley has increased his splitter usage in 2024, and it has been an effective change.
FREE
Aug 16 2024 3:03am
FREE
Aug 16 2024 3:03am
Nick Pivetta's release point changed in 2024, causing potential pitch movement shifts. Zach Eflin threw more cutters in his Orioles debut, but what's wrong with his curveball?
Aug 2 2024 3:02am
Aug 2 2024 3:02am
Tanner Houck has increased his split-finger fastball usage while reducing his cutter usage, and Seth Lugo is using a cutter in 2024.
Jul 19 2024 3:03am
Jul 19 2024 3:03am
Jack Flaherty is bouncing back with the Tigers by throwing more curveballs to right-handed hitters. Meanwhile, Cristopher Sánchez added velocity on all pitches.
Jul 6 2024 3:10am
Jul 6 2024 3:10am
