Ryan Thompson's pitching dilemma: Unlocking his true potential.
The story of Ryan Thompson's 2025 season is a fascinating one, as he overcame a mysterious struggle to dominate the latter half of the year. But what was the turning point?
According to Alex Weiner, Thompson revealed a crucial detail: He was tipping his pitches early on, which led to a shocking 7.50 ERA and 2.0 home runs per nine innings by May 19. This is a common yet often overlooked issue in baseball, and it can significantly impact a pitcher's performance.
And here's where it gets intriguing: Once Thompson, a side-arm pitcher, identified and corrected this problem, his game dramatically transformed. He went on an impressive 29-game stretch with a minuscule 1.16 ERA and didn't give up a single home run in 23.1 innings!
As Thompson heads into spring training, he's in a unique position. Arizona's bullpen lacks a defined closer, and Thompson is now in the mix. Manager Torey Lovullo has named Thompson, along with Kevin Ginkel and Paul Sewald, as potential candidates for the role.
Could this be Thompson's year to shine? With his newfound control and the team's need for a closer, he might just be the surprise package of 2026.
But the question remains: How will Thompson maintain his success and prove he's the right choice for the closer role? The competition is fierce, and the pressure is on.
What do you think? Is Thompson's story a testament to the power of self-improvement, or is it a reminder of the fine margins in baseball? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
