In an exciting turn of events for Major League Baseball (MLB) fans, The Athletic’s latest edition of The Windup newsletter brings a plethora of intriguing stories and updates.
From groundbreaking contract extensions to innovative pitching techniques, the newsletter offers a comprehensive look at the latest happenings in the baseball world.
Let’s dive into the highlights, including Jackson Merrill’s significant contract extension, Kyle Hart’s remarkable comeback, and the emergence of the “kick-change” pitch.
Jackson Merrill’s Nine-Year Contract Extension
San Diego Padres’ young star, Jackson Merrill, has agreed to a nine-year, $135 million extension, as reported by Ken Rosenthal.
This deal secures the 21-year-old’s future with the Padres, reflecting the team’s confidence in his potential. More details about this extension will be available in The Athletic’s next newsletter.
Kyle Hart’s Triumphant Return
Kyle Hart, who last pitched in the majors on September 1, 2020, for the Boston Red Sox, made a remarkable comeback for the Padres.
Battling lingering effects from Lyme Disease, Hart’s previous outing was less than stellar, but his recent performance for the Padres was a different story.
On Monday, Hart allowed only two earned runs in five innings, significantly lowering his career ERA and earning his first big-league win as San Diego defeated the Cleveland Guardians 7-2.
The Journey of Kyle Hart
So, what has Kyle Hart been up to over the past four years?
After a challenging stint with the Red Sox’s Triple- and Double-A teams in 2021-2022, Hart signed with the Phillies and Mariners in 2023 but didn’t make it out of the minors.
However, 2024 was a turning point when he went to Korea and won the league’s equivalent to the Cy Young award, boasting a 13-3 record with a 2.69 ERA.
This impressive performance caught the Padres’ attention, leading to his signing in February.
Baseball’s Heartwarming Stories
Baseball is full of heartwarming stories, and Kyle Hart’s journey is a testament to perseverance and passion for the game.
His return to the majors and subsequent success is a reminder of the unpredictable and inspiring nature of baseball.
Dodgers’ Superstar Showdown: Ohtani vs. Betts
In a recent column, The Athletic posed a fascinating question to numerous Dodgers players: Who is the better athlete, Shohei Ohtani or Mookie Betts?
This debate has sparked interest due to the contrasting skill sets of these two superstars.
Ohtani, a three-time unanimous MVP, excels as both a hitter and pitcher, while Betts, a one-time MVP, shines as an outfielder and infielder.
Comparing the Giants
While Ohtani boasts a higher career slugging percentage and faster sprint speed, Betts has also made significant achievements, including a 30-30 season in 2018.
Despite their differences, Betts emerged as the clear winner in the informal poll, with Dodgers’ utility man Chris Taylor calling him “one of the greatest athletes I’ve ever played with, if not the greatest.”
The Emergence of the “Kick-Change” Pitch
The “kick-change” pitch, a new kind of changeup, has been gaining traction across the league.
Invented by Shaun Anderson, this pitch diverges from the traditional pronation-based changeup, instead utilizing supination.
By spiking the ball downward with the middle finger, pitchers can achieve a unique diving motion similar to a splitter but with a different spin axis.
Spread and Impact
From Anderson, the “kick-change” spread via Tread Athletics, a hub known for its work with pitchers like Cole Ragans.
The question now is whether Statcast and the league will define it as a unique pitch, similar to the sweeper, or consider it just another changeup variation.
For a detailed explanation, check out Eno Sarris’s article on The Windup.
Noteworthy Performances and Updates
Other highlights from the latest edition of The Windup include Nathan Eovaldi’s complete-game shutout for the Rangers, earning him a “Maddux” with fewer than 100 pitches.
This term, coined by baseball writer Jason Lukehart in 2012, honors Hall of Famer Greg Maddux, who holds the record for the most such starts.
New Voices and Adjustments
Kodai Senga of the Mets may have found a new guiding voice in assistant pitching coach Desi Druschel.
Meanwhile, Tyler Glasnow’s offseason adjustments paid off as he delivered a dominant performance.
The A’s home opener in Sacramento also provided a unique experience, as detailed by Evan Drellich.
Extensions and Market Impacts
The Garrett Crochet extension signals Boston’s commitment to avoiding last-place finishes, while Tim Britton explores what this means for the market.
Additionally, the nostalgia of baseball card collecting is making a comeback, as highlighted in a recent article.
Personal Notes and Future Updates
On a personal note, we wish Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times well on his four-month sabbatical. He is among the best in the field, and his absence will be felt.
For those interested in more baseball insights, check out The Athletic’s other newsletters. Stay tuned for future updates.
For the full story and more detailed coverage, visit The Windup.
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