When Gary Gill Hill returned from his first professional season in 2023, we identified pitch development as a key focus. Already throwing in the mid-90s with above-average potential in command, the goal was to elevate his game through a refined pitch arsenal. Here’s an in-depth look at how Gary’s offseason training transformed him into a top prospect for the Tampa Bay Rays.

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Starting Point: Gary’s 2023 Offseason Pitch Profile

Analyzing Gary's initial pitch movement, it was clear that his 4-seam fastball and sinker were blending together, lacking the separation needed to challenge batters effectively. To address this, we collaborated with the Rays’ player development staff to make some mechanical adjustments. By focusing on his posture, we aimed to create a more vertical rotational pattern, allowing Gary to stay behind his 4-seam fastball. This adjustment added "carry" to his 4-seam, establishing a clearer separation from his sinker and making both pitches more effective tools.

Improving the Slider: Breaking It Down for Consistency

In his first season, Gary’s slider was effective, but it had some inconsistencies. Its movement profile varied, shifting between a gyro-style and classic slider, depending on the day. Recognizing this, we decided to break the slider down into two distinct pitches:

1. Slider/Cutter (“Slutter”): This pitch was designed to be shorter, firmer, and more gyroscopic, which adds an element of deception by mimicking a cutter.
2. Slurve: A slower, bigger-breaking pitch that added more lateral movement, enhancing his horizontal pitch profile and providing another layer of unpredictability for batters.

By creating these two variations, Gary now had the flexibility to adjust his pitch approach, keeping hitters guessing and allowing him to control different zones with precision.

Adding a Bridge Pitch: Tunneling and Pitch Layering

With the new slurve’s sweeping movement, it was important to maintain a pitch that could serve as a bridge between the fastball and the slurve. When introducing new pitches, analyzing Vertical Release Angle (VRA) and Horizontal Release Angle (HRA) is crucial to ensure the pitch tunnels well off the fastball. By maintaining similar release angles across pitches, Gary could mask his pitches more effectively, keeping hitters off-balance and delaying their reaction time.

The slutter served as this bridge pitch. Its shorter movement made it a reliable option to tunnel with his fastball while creating an extra layer in Gary’s pitch mix. This not only enhanced the deception of his arsenal but also gave him a pitch that could be thrown consistently at higher velocities.

The Evolution of the Slurve into a Sweeper

As the 2024 season progressed, Gary’s slurve gradually evolved into a sweeper with added horizontal movement, particularly effective against right-handed batters. This transition was natural, allowing him to fully leverage his arm slot and maximize movement. The sweeper became an essential weapon, complementing his fastball by creating a challenging angle for hitters and adding unpredictability to his pitch sequence.

The Results: Gary’s 2024 In-Season Metrics

Gary’s hard work in the offseason paid off during the 2024 season. His metrics showed significant improvements, including increased induced vertical break on his 4-seam fastball and the successful integration of two distinct slider variations. With his refined arsenal, Gary emerged as one of the Rays' top prospects, equipped with the tools and command needed to thrive at the professional level.

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