Originally posted on MLB Trade Rumors | By Steve Adams | Last updated 5/12/21
Next year’s free-agent class is a legitimately star-studded group even when focusing only on true free agents who’ll hit the market due to service time or an expiring contract. But the class has the potential to become even stronger depending on the play of this year’s collection of veterans who have opt-out clauses and player options in their contracts. Their performance over the next five months will determine whether they opt for another trip to the free-agent market or simply stick with the remaining salary guaranteed to them on their existing deals.
The case of Chad Green’s curveball
A lack of active spin is the driver behind a pitch that should be more deceptive, but isn’t.
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Relievers become relievers largely because they can handle two pitches, but can’t reliably deliver three. Every now and then, you get a reliever, like Mariano Rivera, who has one pitch, and everyone knows it’s coming, and it’s still an elite offering, but that’s far from the model.
Chad Green, one of the more reliable bullpen arms for the Yankees over the past six seasons, is a two-pitch pitcher, but that second pitch has been a journey. He throws a hard, rising, better-than-average fastball, but the tale of his second pitch and his struggles to command it largely dictate his overall performance game-in and game-out.