Logan Webb attributes his impressive season performance to a key addition to his pitching arsenal—the cutter, which he affectionately calls his “MVP pitch.” This new cut fastball has played a significant role in the San Francisco Giants ace achieving career-high strikeout rates and maintaining his status as a leading pitcher in Major League Baseball.
While opponents have managed to hit .441 against his cutter, Webb developed the pitch specifically to counteract formidable hitters like Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, who have become familiar with his two-seam fastball and changeup. He first introduced the cutter in 2020 but has increasingly incorporated it into his pitching mix this season. Initially constituting just 2.6% of his pitch selection, it now makes up nearly 10%.
Webb recognizes that the success of the cutter relies on how it complements his other pitches. He equates it to bitters in a cocktail—less effective on its own but enhancing the overall appeal of his repertoire. The cutter’s horizontal movement works in conjunction with his two-seam fastball, adding depth to his pitching strategy.
He has seen marked improvements across his game this season, evidenced by a personal best 2.61 ERA and a strikeout rate of 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings. Webb’s ability to throw his fastball with better vertical movement has also significantly lessened the effectiveness of his opponents, now hitting just .128 against this pitch. Furthermore, he’s made strides in holding base runners, decreasing their success rate against stolen bases.
Supported by seasoned teammates like Justin Verlander and Robbie Ray, Webb’s evolution has been profound. Verlander noted Webb’s remarkable growth and potential to secure a Cy Young Award, an acknowledgment echoed by Giants team president Buster Posey, who sees Webb as one of the great pitchers developing in real-time.
Webb’s determination for longevity in his career has led him to explore biomechanics and core strengthening techniques, hoping to maintain his peak performance for years to come. His methodology emphasizes not just the mechanics of pitching but also finding ways to adapt and grow as a player, reflecting an inspiring commitment to excellence.
As Webb continues his season, there’s palpable excitement around not only his individual achievements but also his potential contribution to the Giants’ success. This journey serves as an encouraging reminder of the importance of innovation and resilience in professional sports.