Pitcher List was founded on the back of filthy pitches, and we strive to bring you the best of the best every day. However, with over 70+ pitches featured every week, there is a lot to sort through. We ask you, the readers, to vote for your favorite every day, and now is your chance to crown the best of the week.
Every week, we will be featuring the top pitches from each day as voted on by the readers. Then, every Tuesday, you’ll have a chance to vote for your favorite for the week. Make your voice heard in the comments, on Twitter, and in our Discord for which pitch you think is the best!
6/7 – Adam Ottavino’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/imperfectshockingdrake
This article is a bit late this week, but it’s not due to a lack of nasty pitches. We all know about Adam Ottavino’s nasty slider and it showed up in NP a handful of times last week. This was the best of the two and Jesús Aguilar was unfortunately on the receiving end of it.
6/8 – Framber Valdez’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/distortedwellwornarmyworm
Framber Valdez has been nothing short of nasty since returning from the IL a few weeks ago. The curveball has easily been his best pitch, sporting a 35.5% CSW through his first four starts, and he showed off just how filthy it can be in this one to Xander Bogaerts.
6/8 – Pablo López’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/oldenchantingkoala
This one didn’t fare as well in the initial voting but I’m giving it another chance. Look at that movement! JUST LOOK AT IT! Late drop with an arm-side break at a cool 87 MPH. Pablo López is blossoming into yet another ace in Miami.
6/9 – Alek Manoah’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/linedcalculatingfantail
This was the easy winner on a day full of really nice pitches. José Abreu is susceptible to whiffing at sliders low and away, and Alek Manoah took full advantage of that here.
6/9 – Anthony Bender’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/selfreliantgratefulchupacabra
At some point can we please get a sequel to Bend it like Beckham but call it Bend it like Bender? Or even Bender & Beckham where it’s simply a documentary about the difference between putting spin on a ball with your hand and your foot, starring David Beckham and Anthony Bender. Obviously, this would work and be super interesting.
6/11 – Clayton Kershaw’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/tangibledefensivehyracotherium
The Cooperstown Curve is one of the prettiest pitches in the history of the league and I don’t think there’s any argument there. The ability to paint the corner with a pitch that moves as much as this one is always a sight to behold.
6/11 – Shohei Ohtani’s Splitter
https://gfycat.com/falseevilkiskadee
The two-way star has been a revelation in 2021, both for the Angels and for fantasy teams alike. His splitter has been a nasty pitch all season, with a ridiculous 57.8% whiff rate and a .116 xwOBA. Opposing hitters basically cannot touch it and I don’t blame them one bit.
6/12 – Kevin Gausman’s Splitter
https://gfycat.com/scornfulrapidgar
Kevin Gausman, the winner of the Nastiest Pitches of May tournament, showed up last week dealing filthy splitters once again. The splitter is his best pitch with a 35.7% CSW this season, a career-high as he’s clearly kicked it into a new gear in 2021. He’s been one of the best pitchers in the league and would be a Cy Young favorite if not for a certain pitcher in New York.
6/13 – Logan Gilbert’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/gentlesanehawk
The rookie has had a rocky start to his career but he finally put things together in his last start against Cleveland. He only threw nine changeups, but he generated whiffs on four of them for a 44% CSW which is fantastic. This one to José Ramírez dropped out of the sky and right under his bat. Filthy.
6/13 – Blake Treinen’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/grimgrizzledcuttlefish
The filthiest pitcher in baseball continues to throw the filthiest pitch in baseball, at least at this moment. I’m obsessed with Blake Treinen’s slider this year and I actively seek it out anytime he pitches. Nasty, nasty, nasty.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)