Tyler Rogers, the Jays' newly signed right-handed submarine pitcher, is turning heads with his unique style and impressive stats. At 35, he's inked a three-year, $37 million deal, with a potential fourth-year vesting option at $11 million. While signing a reliever of his age might raise eyebrows, Rogers is anything but typical.
Watching him pitch recently was a treat. Yes, he allowed a home run, but it's spring training, and the focus is on his intriguing delivery.
Rogers releases the ball a mere 16 inches above the mound, utilizing a sinker (74.5% of the time at 83.5 mph) and a slider. His sinker drops 13 inches, while the slider boasts a 14-inch vertical rise.
These pitches, combined with his release point, make him a challenging puzzle for hitters.
The Jays are banking on the value of diverse release points in their pitching arsenal. With Trey Yesavage’s over-the-top delivery, Rogers’ near-ground approach, and Chase Lee’s sidearm style, opposing teams will face a variety of looks. Add Dylan Cease’s deceptive delivery, and the Jays' rotation becomes a nightmare for batters.
Rogers isn't known for speed, sitting in the first percentile for fastball velocity. His Whiff and Strikeout percentages are also on the lower end.
However, his strengths lie elsewhere. He ranks in the 99th percentile for Average Exit Velocity, 100th for Walk Rate, and Barrell Percentage.
His Hard Hit and Ground Ball percentages are also impressive, meaning batters struggle to make solid contact.
Durability is another asset. Over seven MLB seasons, Rogers has led the league in relief appearances four times, pitching in 81 games last season with a stellar 1.98 ERA. Opponents hit just .229/.248/.302 against him.
Concerns about aging are natural, especially for a pitcher in his late thirties. But Rogers' already low velocity might mean he has less to lose. If he drops from 83 mph to 80 mph, the impact might be minimal.
Projections like ZiPS foresee Rogers pitching in 68 games with a 3.72 ERA, 16 walks, and 44 strikeouts. While these numbers provide a glimpse, Rogers' unique style and track record suggest he could continue to defy expectations.