Spring training is the perfect laboratory for pitchers to experiment, and Logan Gilbert is diving right in. He's been working on new fastball variations, and there's buzz about a potential "splinker" entering his arsenal.
Gilbert's experimentation with the splinker has caught the eye of many, including ESPN's Jeff Passan. Passan suggests Gilbert could be the next pitcher to master this intriguing hybrid pitch. Michael Rosen from FanGraphs also highlighted its potential, noting its impressive depth and velocity around 93 mph.
The splinker, a blend of a sinker and splitter, is currently classified as a sinker by Statcast. For Gilbert, this pitch offers a middle ground between his four-seam fastball and splitter, adding a new layer to his repertoire. It’s designed to tunnel off his fastball with added arm-side movement, while the splitter-like velocity can surprise hitters, enhancing the effectiveness of both pitches.
Gilbert's motivation for adding this new weapon might stem from a dip in his 2025 performance. His slider, once a formidable pitch with a run value of 14 in 2024, saw a decline last year with a high opposing slugging percentage. Despite this, Gilbert remains the Mariners' ace, though Bryan Woo is closing in.
Injuries, like the flexor strain that limited him to 25 starts last year, might have played a role, but Gilbert is keen on returning to elite form. With another arbitration year ahead and free agency looming, enhancing his market value is crucial.
The Mariners' culture of encouraging pitchers to innovate has been key to their success. Gilbert's talent allows him to adapt quickly, whether he sticks with the splinker or opts for a cutter. Either way, he has the potential to remain one of the most dominant starters in the league.