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Unleashing the Power of Brandon Pfaadt: The Diamondbacks’ Secret Weapon in the World Series

When someone asks you to explain the transformation of the Arizona Diamondbacks from the regular season to the World Series, one name stands out: Brandon Pfaadt.

A younger answer might be, “Pfaadt fought through early struggles in the majors, returning to the minors multiple times. Eventually, he made changes that turned him into a formidable No. 3 starting pitcher, something few contenders could match.”

According to Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly, “He’s arguably been our best starting pitcher. In the Phillies series, Zach Gallen and I had some early struggles. But Brandon was able to turn things around and show just how far he’s come since the beginning of the season.”

On Monday, Pfaadt, the rookie right-hander, will face off against Texas Rangers starter Max Scherzer in World Series Game 3. This matchup not only highlights the differences in team construction but also emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of the curve in the majors.

The journey of the Diamondbacks pitching coach Brent Strom reflects this pursuit of staying ahead. At 75 years old, Strom has revolutionized pitching techniques with his data-driven approach. Although known for his teachings on the power of the high four-seam fastball, he constantly seeks to understand and apply the latest research on beating the best hitters in the world.

Pfaadt presented the perfect challenge for Strom when he joined the Diamondbacks. With his unique stuff and potential, Pfaadt struggled in his first few major league starts. However, Strom and the Diamondbacks saw an opportunity to utilize his talent and made necessary adjustments to adapt his pitches to major-league hitters.

One critical change was moving Pfaadt to the extreme first-base side of the rubber. This alteration changed the shape of his pitches and propelled him forward. Since then, Pfaadt has been an instrumental force, accumulating a 4.22 ERA in 70 1/3 innings and delivering outstanding performances in the postseason.

Pfaadt has embraced the guidance of Strom wholeheartedly, leading to remarkable results. Along with the shift on the rubber, Pfaadt implemented a more effective sinker that played up the movement in his fastballs. He also increased the usage of his sweeping slider while reducing reliance on the four-seam fastball. As a result, his pitches appear like strikes more often, creating uncertainty for opposing hitters.

Strom’s knowledge and credibility as a coach have greatly influenced Pfaadt’s success. By incorporating the concept of effective velocity, which quantifies pitch sequencing and perception, Pfaadt has been able to confuse hitters with a combination of pitches that seem identical but break in different directions at different speeds. His ability to create disparity in pitch perception has contributed to his dominance on the mound.

Heading into World Series Game 3, Pfaadt’s transformation and mastery of Strom’s teachings make him a formidable weapon for the Diamondbacks. As the team faces off against the Rangers, the impact of coaching and staying ahead of the game has never been more apparent.

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David Rodriguez

David Rodriguez brings the excitement of Major League Baseball to readers. With a deep appreciation for America’s pastime, he covers the latest MLB news, scores, and player achievements, keeping fans up to date with their favorite teams and players.