In 2020, that version of Paddack all but disappeared.
He stopped challenging hitters up and got hurt by finding way too much of the strike zone. Part of that was a mechanical issue that gave him more sideways movement than vertical carry on his fastball, which led to a ton of barrels.
The bigger issue was the six inches between his ears.
If he gave up a couple of baserunners Paddack would let innings, and games, get away from him.
“Letting up a 4-spot, five runs. Two-out walks, two-out hits, back-to-back hits, you name it, I’ve experienced it,” says Paddack. “I feel like I’m guilty of, I try and be too perfect, I try and do too much in those situations instead of just trusting my ability. (When I’m) trusting my instinct and my confidence is through the roof, I have success.”