What Happened To Framber Valdez’s Sinker

Framber Valdez is arguably at his best when he pitches to contact or specifically looks to generate groundball outs. That isn’t a controversial statement as history has indicated as much, with the left-hander posting four consecutive sub-3.60 ERA seasons with a groundball rate of 54% or higher. By fWAR, only ten other starting pitchers have produced more value than Valdez since 2020. His sinker has played a prominent role in that performance, limiting opposing hitters to a .336 wOBA in his last four seasons.

Alas, his 2023 season was a tale of two halves: A 2.27 ERA through June 20 and a 4.46 ERA from that point afterward. Valdez’s postseason starts against the Twins and Rangers were…