Andrew Baker's Pitch Evolution Fuels Breakout Season with Rockies

Andrew Baker, a right-handed reliever for the Colorado Rockies, has been making waves in Triple-A Albuquerque with his distinctive pitching style. He describes his signature pitch as a 'gyro slider,' which he claims is more than just a cutter, averaging 87.8 mph and constituting nearly half of his pitches this season.

Baker's pitch repertoire includes two variations of sliders: a sweeper that ranges from 84 to 86 mph and a harder gyro slider that clocks in at 88 to 91 mph. This pitch has become an effective complement to his fastball, which averages 97.3 mph. His impressive strikeout rate of 29.7% in Triple-A and over 35% in Double-A highlights his effectiveness on the mound, especially considering this pitch was not part of his arsenal just two years ago.

The lefty attributes his pitch development to his time in High-A with the Philadelphia Phillies, where pitching coach Ryan Buchter encouraged him to experiment with the gyro slider. Since then, the pitch has evolved into one of his most reliable tools, contributing to a standout season.

However, pitching at high altitude in Albuquerque presents unique challenges. Baker notes that recovery takes longer, and he has had to adjust his pitching strategies based on the conditions. He has learned to adapt his approach depending on the situation, ensuring that he minimizes the risk of giving up home runs.

Baker's success this season is also linked to his winter ball experience in Puerto Rico, where he played for Cangrejeros de Santurce. His championship win and participation in the Caribbean Series have been pivotal in his development, providing him with invaluable experience that he believes has directly influenced his performance this year.