Dylan Cease, a right-handed pitcher for the Blue Jays, is making waves in the MLB with his newly refined changeup pitch. This pitch, once described as a "Bugs Bunny" offering, has now become a potent weapon in Cease's arsenal. With a velocity of 84.2 mph, it's six miles per hour faster than its predecessor, but its movement profile is unique, lacking the typical drop and arm-side run. This distinct characteristic sets Cease's changeup apart from others in the league.
Cease's journey with this pitch began with a focus on his body mechanics and a few adjustments. He learned to turn his head away from the catcher's mitt during his delivery, which improved his overall mechanics. This changeup, despite its unconventional movement, is now being treated as a real pitch, with Cease emphasizing arm speed and body movement. The result? A 63% whiff rate, the second highest off any changeup in the Majors this season.
The key to Cease's success lies in the way his changeup complements his other pitches. It's all about the change of speeds, he explains. By throwing a changeup in the mid-80s, hitters have to gear up for his blazing four-seam fastball, giving him an advantage. This approach is supported by Statcast's new miss distance metrics, which show that Cease's changeup has hitters flailing on 79% of their swings, the third highest flail rate on any pitch this season.
Cease's development of this pitch is a testament to modern pitching techniques. He's utilizing a basic two-seam grip, which is more accessible and effective than his previous splitter grip. This evolution in pitching development allows pitchers to experiment and find what works best for them, even if it means relying on the guidance of coaching staff and player development personnel.
Despite the unique movement, Cease's changeup is a valuable addition to his repertoire. It showcases his adaptability and willingness to experiment, which are essential traits for any successful pitcher. As he continues to refine this pitch, the Blue Jays' investment in him looks increasingly justified, with Cease pitching like an ace and making a strong case for his inclusion in the Cy Young conversation.
