A few weeks ago, I listened to a podcast show. In the show, the host interviewed a general manager. The host asked the general manager about a starter in the rotation. The general manager indicated that they really like that pitcher and they are satisfied with his performance so far this season.
In particular, the GM demonstrated that the pitcher has a lower walk rate after the team acquired him. After listening to the show, I began to think about a question. Which pitchers have done a better job to lower walk rate as well?
To understand a little bit more, I decided to check on the statcast website.
Brad Keller tossed 45.1 innings for the Royals last year, posting a 4.57 ERA and a 1.92 WHIP. He gave up 45 walks in 2023 and his walk rate was over 20%. In 2024, things haven’t gone smoothly. He signed a contract with the White Sox in March and was called up in late April. However, the White Sox designated Keller for assignment in May. Keller inked a 1-year deal with the Red Sox in late May. So far in 2024, Keller owns a 5.13 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP over 33.1 innings. The good news is that his walk rate drops to 7.4%.
Bryan Woo made his MLB debut in 2023. Last year, he owned a 4.21 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP over 87.2 innings. He gave up 31 free passes and his BB% was 8.4%. The 2024 season isn’t an easy one for Woo because of injuries. Nonetheless, the good thing is that his walk rate is only 2%. Nevertheless, he has to stay healthy. Woo now posts a 1.77 ERA and a 0.69 WHIP over 40.2 innings.
Last season, Jack Flaherty pitched for the Cardinals and the Orioles. He owned a 4.99 ERA and a 1.58 WHIP across 144.1 innings. Flaherty’s walk rate was over 10% in 2023. He inked a 1-year deal with the Tigers last December. By far this season, his walk rate is only 4%, which is the lowest thus far in his career. Back in 2019, Flaherty finished the season with a 2.75 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP over 196.1 innings. His walk rate was 7.1%.
Finally, Lucas Erceg gave up 36 walks in 55 innings last year. His BB% was 14.3% in 2023 and this season, it drops to 8.4%. Meanwhile, Josh Hader, who signed a 5-year deal with the Astros in January, has a walk rate of 7.1% thus far in 2024. Last season, his walk rate was 13%. Additionally, 3 other pitchers each have given up free passes less frequently. They each have dropped their walk rate by at least 5%.
A pitcher’s major goal is to avoid opponents getting on base. Giving up free passes is usually not ideal. As we can see, some pitchers do improve their performance by decreasing their walk rate. Jack Flaherty could be an interesting player to watch in the rest of the season. He will become a free agent after the 2024 season. If he can keep his walk rate low, he should draw attention from many MLB teams that are looking to enhance the rotation.
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