The Tampa Bay Rays have made an intriguing move this offseason by signing right-handed pitcher Jake Woodford to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training. While Woodford's career numbers might not jump off the page-over 250 innings with a career ERA and FIP hovering around 5.00-there's more beneath the surface that the Rays, known for their keen eye for potential, likely see as valuable.
Woodford’s changeup is a standout. Its unique movement profile sets it apart from other offspeed pitches in the majors.
Unlike the typical ride and run, Woodford’s changeup has a distinct drop, especially when considering his arm angle, which sits around 25 degrees. This pitch consistently lands in the zone and catches batters off guard, leading to awkward swings and weak contact.
It’s reminiscent of an old-school palmball or circle change, and even a seasoned hitter like Fernando Tatis found himself baffled by it, as seen in a memorable clip where he swung and missed, then checked the video board in disbelief.
Turning to Woodford’s fastball, it deviates from the norm with a cut-sink shape rather than the usual four-seam ride. Even when accounting for his arm angle, it remains an outlier, with less horizontal break than 87% of pitchers throwing from a similar slot. The vertical approach angle (VAA) is flat, akin to some of the best in the league, thanks to Woodford’s low release and solid extension, even if it doesn’t come with blazing velocity.
His two-seamer complements his arsenal, offering a traditional shape that pairs intriguingly with his offspeed pitch. The difference in horizontal movement between these two pitches is over 7 inches, a rare feat matched by only a handful of pitchers like Yu Darvish and Logan Webb.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Rays will likely focus on refining Woodford’s approach. Having played for the Cubs, Yankees, and Diamondbacks last season, he’s experienced varied coaching philosophies.
The consistency the Rays offer could be key to unlocking his potential. Woodford’s repertoire allows him to challenge both righties and lefties effectively, making him a versatile option to navigate lineups multiple times.
The combination of a cutting fastball and a vertically dropping changeup creates a challenging dynamic for hitters. The real test will be whether Woodford can leverage his unique pitch shapes through smart usage and sequencing to achieve major league success. Without top-tier velocity, his ability to mix pitches and capitalize on his distinctive style will be crucial.
As we look forward to his role in Durham, Woodford’s lack of option years presents a challenge for long-term major league roster placement. However, his skills suggest he could be more than just depth-potentially filling the role of a sixth starter or a valuable multi-inning reliever. The Rays' knack for optimizing talent makes Woodford a player to watch this season.