Brew Crew Ball · Jul 14, 2020
What reintroducing a changeup could mean for Josh Hader
Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty ImagesAny mention of Josh Hader will immediately bring to mind two things: fastballs and strikeouts. Since reaching professional baseball’s highest level in 2017, Hader leads all relievers with a 44.6% strikeout rate; he has maintained such a level of dominance while throwing his fastball 78.8% of the time.
Last season, the southpaw took his signature approach even further, increasing his fastball usage to 83%. As the summer progressed, concerns began to arise when opposing hitters were jumping on first-pitch heaters and driving them into the seats. Hader surrendered 15 home runs in 75 2⁄3 innings, 14 of which were hit off of his four-seamer.