Edward Cabrera’s “Nasty” Changeup: A New Era for Pitching?
Maryvale, Arizona – The Cubs’ acquisition of Edward Cabrera from the Marlins in January wasn’t just about adding another arm; it was about bringing in a pitcher who challenges conventional wisdom. Cabrera’s signature pitch, a changeup thrown with fastball velocity (averaging 94.2 mph in 2025), is already turning heads, and potentially signaling a shift in how pitchers approach the game.
The Unconventional Changeup
Traditionally, a changeup relies on deception through velocity contrast – a slower pitch designed to disrupt a hitter’s timing. Cabrera flips that script. He throws his changeup harder than many pitchers throw their fastballs. This creates a different kind of deception, one that’s proving incredibly challenging for hitters to adjust to. As Cubs catcher Moisés Ballesteros put it, “Cabrera is a nasty guy. Every pitch is nasty.”
During a recent Cactus League start against the Brewers, Cabrera’s changeup was on full display, famously causing Brewers leadoff man Sal Frelick to swing so hard he lost his helmet. The pitch accounted for 36% of Cabrera’s offerings in that outing, with the four-seamer used 29% of the time.
Beyond Velocity: Command and Arsenal
While the changeup is the centerpiece, Cabrera’s success isn’t solely reliant on it. A key factor in his breakout 2025 season (3.53 ERA, 150 strikeouts) was improved command. His walk rate dropped to 8.3%, a significant improvement from 12% in 2024, and 15.2% in 2023. He complements the changeup with a four-seam fastball, sinker, curveball, and slider, creating a diverse and challenging arsenal.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell emphasizes that Cabrera’s approach isn’t about maximizing fastball usage, but about throwing his best pitches. “What I’m going to fight you on is [the idea of], like, ‘He doesn’t throw his fastball enough.’ … It just doesn’t matter. Just throw your best pitches.”
The Cubs’ Gamble and the Future of Pitching
The Cubs front office repeatedly pursued Cabrera, recognizing his potential as an ace. His success highlights a growing trend: prioritizing pitch effectiveness over strict adherence to traditional pitching philosophies. The fact that his changeup is thrown with such velocity challenges the conventional wisdom that a changeup *must* be slow.
This approach isn’t without its risks. Statcast data shows Cabrera’s fastball yielded a .583 slugging percentage and .661 expected slugging percentage in 2025. Although, the overall impact of his repertoire, combined with improved command, has been overwhelmingly positive.
What Does This Signify for the Game?
Cabrera’s success could encourage other pitchers and pitching coaches to experiment with unconventional approaches. We might notice more pitchers prioritizing pitch movement and deception over raw velocity, or developing “faster” changeups to disrupt hitters’ timing in new ways. It’s a reminder that in baseball, innovation and adaptability are often the keys to success.
FAQ
Q: How fast is Edward Cabrera’s changeup?
A: Cabrera’s changeup averages around 94.2 mph, which is faster than many pitchers’ fastballs.
Q: Why did the Cubs trade for Edward Cabrera?
A: The Cubs recognized Cabrera’s potential as an ace and were impressed by his unique and effective pitching arsenal.
Q: Is Cabrera’s fastball effective?
A: While his fastball has been vulnerable at times, Cabrera’s overall repertoire and improved command have led to success.
Q: What is expected slugging percentage (xSLG)?
A: Expected slugging percentage is a Statcast metric that predicts a hitter’s slugging percentage based on the quality of contact made.
Did you understand? Edward Cabrera’s changeup is thrown with enough velocity to qualify as a fastball for many pitchers.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to how pitchers utilize their entire arsenal, not just their fastball velocity. Pitch mix and command are often more important than raw speed.
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