Mick Abel and Eric Orze: Twins’ Pitching Powerhouses
In the early days of spring training down in Fort Myers, Mick Abel made quite the impression with his electric fastball, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting season for the Twins. Facing off against Detroit’s main lineup, Abel’s fastball was nothing short of dominant, clocking in at 95 mph and leaving hitters swinging at air. Out of nine swings, seven were misses-a testament to the sheer power and precision he brings to the mound.
Minor league catcher Noah Cardenas summed it up perfectly: “He can throw a fastball by guys who made a career off [hitting] fastballs. That’s pretty cool.” Indeed, when you can overpower seasoned hitters, it’s a sign that something special is brewing.
In recent years, the Twins’ catchers have had their say in identifying the nastiest pitches within the squad. While Jhoan Duran’s fastball and Griffin Jax’s breaking balls were previously in the spotlight, this year’s camp has introduced new contenders. With Duran and Jax no longer in the mix, and Cory Lewis sidelined due to a shoulder strain, it was time for fresh faces to rise.
This year, Abel’s fastball and Eric Orze’s split-changeup emerged as the standout pitches. Abel’s delivery is described as “electric” and “whippy,” with Patrick Winkel noting how the fastball seems heavier than it is, making it a nightmare for hitters.
Cardenas added, “It really just jumps. Hitters do not like it.”
On the other hand, Orze’s split-changeup is a masterclass in deception. Acquired from Tampa Bay, Orze learned this pitch in his youth, and it’s been baffling hitters ever since.
As Winkel put it, “You know it’s coming, and you still can’t hit it.” The pitch mirrors his fastball but then dives sharply, making it a reliable weapon in his arsenal.
Orze’s splitter, used in about half of his pitches, boasts impressive stats: a 3.02 ERA in 33 relief appearances last year, with no homers allowed on the pitch and a 32% swing-and-miss rate. Catcher David Bañuelos praised its depth and consistency, highlighting Orze’s ability to manipulate the ball’s movement.
Honorable Mentions: More Nasty Stuff
Connor Prielipp’s slider is another pitch turning heads. Spinning at an incredible 3,000 RPM, it’s a rarity in today’s game, especially with the crackdown on foreign substances.
Last season, it caused Class AAA hitters to miss 37% of the time. Andrew Cossetti described it as having a surprising bite.
Taylor Rogers’ sweeper also deserves a nod. With just two pitches in his repertoire, Rogers continues to thrive, holding batters to a .168 average against his sweeper last season. Ryan Jeffers simply called it “a good pitch.”
Finally, Taj Bradley’s splitter, refined over the winter, has become a force to be reckoned with. Now hitting 92-93 mph, it’s one of the fastest in MLB. Victor Caratini noted its hard drop, underscoring its nastiness.
As the Twins gear up for the season, these pitchers and their standout offerings are sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats. With such talent on the mound, the Twins’ pitching staff is shaping up to be a formidable force.