MLB’s best pitches (and the best hitters against them)

Aug 3, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Dillon Tate (55) in action during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Baltimore Orioles at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Sinker: Dillon Tate & Will Smith

Dillon Tate’s taken a big leap forward from his 2021 season and is helping the Orioles’ bullpen in a surprising playoff push with his 148 ERA+. His sinker’s a huge reason for that, limiting hitters to a .240 wOBA on a .236 batting average with a -16 run value. If hitters get to it then they’re doing next to nothing with it. A trusty arm out of the O’s pen and a pretty nice K-spin also!

Dillon Tate, Sick 97mph Sinker. 🤒

And K Spin. pic.twitter.com/BSwE7R3zIV
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 23, 2022

Will Smith, on the other hand, crushes sinkers. He sees them 17.4% of the time and crushes them for a .509 wOBA and a Run Value of 16. It’s easily the worst pitch a pitcher can throw to him (next best pitch is a changeup with a Run Value of 6).

Will Smith welcomes Bryan Hoeing to the majors. pic.twitter.com/VzeCQWIk2k
— Chad Moriyama (@ChadMoriyama) August 21, 2022

Dillon Tate and Will Smith have not faced each other this season. Potential World Series matchup? We shall see.