Brayan Bello has already proven he belongs in a big-league rotation, but he’s not settling for being just another arm. After a solid 2025 season that saw him post a 3.55 ERA across 29 appearances-the lowest of his four-year MLB career-Bello is aiming higher. He’s not just looking to maintain; he’s looking to evolve.
But here’s where things get interesting. While the ERA was a step forward, his strikeout-to-walk percentage (K-BB%) told a more complicated story.
Among pitchers who logged at least 150 innings, Bello’s 9.3% K-BB rate ranked 65th out of 70. That’s not exactly where you want to be if you’re trying to anchor a rotation.
It’s not that Bello needs to rack up strikeouts like a power pitcher, but when you’re putting the ball in play as often as he does, it becomes harder to consistently keep runs off the board. Eventually, the contact catches up.
So this offseason, Bello’s not just resting on his ERA. He’s working to add more weapons to his arsenal.
He recently threw a live batting practice session and, for the first time since 2022, broke out a curveball. That’s a notable development.
He’s also been collaborating with Ranger Suárez on refining his changeup grip-an effort to bring back some life to a pitch that could be a real difference-maker for him.
One of the key areas where Bello needs to improve is his performance against left-handed hitters. Last season, he struck out just 16.3% of lefties and walked 10%.
That’s a tough combo, especially when his sinker and cutter-two pitches he leans on for strikes-were getting hit hard by lefties. When he got to two strikes, he turned to his four-seamer, changeup, and sweeper, but none of those pitches consistently finished the job.
The changeup, in particular, is a pitch that could swing things in his favor-if he can get it right. Back in 2024, Bello had more success with it, posting a putaway rate about six percentage points higher than in 2025, and a strike rate that was 10 points better.
But over the last few seasons, the pitch has been creeping up in velocity-from 86 mph to around 89. That’s trimmed the gap between the changeup and his fastball, making it easier for hitters to time up.
If he can find a grip or release point that brings back the old movement and separation, it could be a game-changer-especially against lefties.
But it’s not just about missing bats. Bello also needs to cut down on the free passes.
A curveball could be a key piece in that puzzle. Depending on how it shapes up, it might give him a pitch he can throw for strikes regardless of the matchup-a true platoon-neutral option.
One comp worth watching is Edward Cabrera, another righty with a similar arm slot who uses his curveball effectively both in the zone and as a chase pitch. Bello’s version won’t be identical, but the blueprint is there.
Of course, the foundation of Bello’s game is still his sinker. It’s a weapon-hard, heavy, and tough to barrel.
When he’s in trouble, he can lean on it to induce weak contact and get out of jams. But if he wants to take the next step-from solid starter to potential frontline guy-he’ll need more than just one elite pitch.
He needs to throw more strikes with his secondary stuff and find that elusive putaway pitch.
If the curveball clicks and the changeup returns to form, Bello could be on the verge of a breakout. The tools are there.
Now it’s about refining the craft. And if he pulls it all together, we might be talking about a very different Brayan Bello by season’s end-one who’s not just holding down a rotation spot, but leading it.