The changeup is one of baseball’s most deceptive pitches, designed to baffle hitters and disrupt their timing. Unlike a fastball, the changeup is thrown with a slower velocity and less vertical break, making it challenging for batters to distinguish between the two pitches.
This subtle difference often leaves hitters swinging early, expecting a fastball that never arrives. Devin Williams’ changeup, famously known as the “Airbender,” exemplifies the pitch’s potential.
With an astonishing 2800 RPM, it stands as the highest spinning changeup in baseball, far surpassing the MLB average of 1750 RPM.
This unique movement makes it nearly impossible for hitters to predict, showcasing the pitch’s effectiveness when executed with precision.