MLB Statcast’s Pitch Movement Leaderboard has been on my list of things to dig into since it came out a month ago. This unique metric compares pitches of similar speeds. Gravity affects pitches at certain speeds differently and affects their break more or less for pitches that are faster or slower. We all want more strikeouts. These guys can generate swinging strikes thanks to movement. Here are the pitchers with the most vertical or horizontal movement as compared to their peers. 

Four-Seam Vertical Movement (500 min)

Four-Seam Horizontal Movement (500 min)

  • The guys at the top of the vertical leaderboard have some of the best fastballs in baseball. Verland, Doolittle, Hader. You’re left swinging at hard stuff you can’t find.

  • Shane Bieber is enjoying a breakout. His movement and command on a fastball that’s only 93 MPH is behind that, in part.

  • The same could be said for John Means . We’ll see if regression comes for him in a tough summer ballpark.

  • The strike stealers are on the horizontal list. 

Slider Vertical Movement (250 min)

Slider Horizontal Movement (250 min)

  • The top list is the guys that put their slider on a string and pull it. Not surprising it’s mostly relievers who don’t want balls in play.

  • The bottom list is the guys with wipeout stuff. Bauer, Davish, Musgrove. They hold the zone late into flight and you have to take a guess if it’s going sideways. It’s almost unfair.

  • Chaz Roe is still the slider king, appearing on both lists.

  • Marcus Walden appears on both lists. He’s a darkhorse for saves in Boston.

Curveball Vertical Movement (250 min)

Curveball Horizontal Movement (250 min)

  • The 12-6 curve is on top. Trevor Bauer sure knows how to make a baseball move.

  • Gerrit Cole having a four-seam and curve that do what they do is unfair.

  • The bottom list are the sweepers. Charlie Morton has been so effective with moving on and off the plate.

  • José Berríos hard curve is a nightmare for hitters. It’s moving but you don’t have time to think. He steals plenty of strikes that way.

When you’re reviewing your roster and want to know who your best pitchers are this is just another tool to help the elite stand out. Missing bats is the best way to pitch in the juiced ball era. Guys on multiple lists are the best of the best. Target them in DFS despite the price.