What is Spin Rate?
Spin rate is one of the most important metrics in baseball. It is the measure of the speed of a pitch’s rotation, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). Spin rate plays a major role in how a pitch moves and how effective it is. Higher spin rates can lead to more movement on a pitch, making it more difficult for a hitter to make contact.
History of Spin Rate
In the past, spin rate was largely a mystery. It was not until the advent of high-speed cameras and advanced trackman technology that teams began to measure spin rate in a meaningful way. This allowed teams to measure the spin rate of each pitch and use the data to make adjustments to their pitching staff.
The Highest Spin Rate in MLB
The MLB pitcher with the highest spin rate is Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Tyler Glasnow. Glasnow has an average spin rate of 2,846 RPM on his four-seam fastball, according to Statcast. That is the highest spin rate recorded in the MLB for any pitch type in the 2020 season.
How Spin Rate Affects Pitch Movement
Spin rate has a direct impact on how a pitch moves. The higher the spin rate, the more the pitch will move. This can be seen in Glasnow’s pitches, which are known for their late, sharp movement. Glasnow’s four-seam fastball has an average spin rate of 2,846 RPM, which is higher than the league average of 2,320 RPM. This is the reason why his fastball is so effective.
Other Notable Pitchers with High Spin Rates
Aside from Glasnow, there are several other pitchers in the MLB with high spin rates. Here is a list of some of the highest spin rates in the MLB:
- Gerrit Cole, Houston Astros – 2,718 RPM
- Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals – 2,691 RPM
- Jacob deGrom, New York Mets – 2,687 RPM
- Lucas Giolito, Chicago White Sox – 2,619 RPM
- Trevor Bauer, Cincinnati Reds – 2,617 RPM
- Yu Darvish, San Diego Padres – 2,578 RPM
How Pitchers Use Spin Rate to their Advantage
Pitchers use spin rate to their advantage in a variety of ways. Higher spin rates can lead to more movement on a pitch, making it more difficult for hitters to make contact. Additionally, pitchers can use spin rate to add more velocity to a pitch. By increasing the spin rate, a pitcher can increase the velocity of their pitches without having to put extra effort into the pitch.
The Future of Spin Rate
As teams continue to use advanced technology to measure spin rate, it is likely that the average spin rate of pitches will continue to increase. This is because teams have access to more data and can make more informed decisions about how to adjust and manipulate their pitchers’ spin rates.
How Spin Rate Will Change the Game
Spin rate will continue to be an important metric in baseball, and it will likely continue to be used by teams to gain an edge over their opponents. With more teams using spin rate data to adjust their pitchers’ techniques, the game of baseball will continue to evolve in a way that favors the pitcher. Hitters will have to adjust to the increased spin rates and figure out ways to make contact with pitches that have more movement.
Conclusion
Spin rate is an important metric in baseball and it can be used to give pitchers an edge over their opponents. The MLB pitcher with the highest spin rate is Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Tyler Glasnow, who has an average spin rate of 2,846 RPM on his four-seam fastball. Spin rate will continue to be a key factor in the game of baseball, and teams will continue to use it to gain an advantage.