Rowan Wick

A converted position player, Wick’s development of his curveball has allowed him to become a legitimate bullpen weapon. After working with Cubs pitching Tommy Hottovy last spring training, he adjusted his grip to that of a knuckle-curve with only his middle finger covering the seams. The change increased the pitch’s spin rate by 12.3% while striking out 34.1% of opposing batters and limiting them to a .171 wOBA

Wick’s fastball is what got him to the majors. The former catcher sits 94-96 and can dial it up if need be. He lives in the top of the zone where his high spin rate creates rising action, blowing past hitters while beautifully setting him his vaunted knucklecurve. Elite on occasion, Wick did struggle with the command of his fastball in 2019, walking 12.4% of opposing batters with it.

Converting from the field only a handful of years ago, learning one breaking pitch was hard but Wick is experimenting with another. Somewhere between a cutter and slider, Wick only threw said breaking ball 5.3% of the time last season and its development could be the key in him going from good reliever to dominant force.

Wick fills up the zone with his four-seamer, and he threw it about twice every three pitches. Across 8.1 innings, batters hit .407 against the four-seamer.

The slider is Wick’s primary breaker, though it doesn’t move too much. Hitters didn’t have a problem elevated the slider last season, and Wick’s one homer allowed came off the pitch.

Wick’s curve is his third pitch, and he only threw about half for strikes in 8.1 innings last season. It got some whiffs and chases, potentially developing into a putaway pitch.