Why Arizona Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt Could Rebound in 2026: A Fresh Start and Pitch Adjustments
The Arizona Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt had a challenging 2025 season, marked by a career-low strikeout rate and a 5.25 ERA, leading to a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Despite this, the team extended his contract, recognizing his potential as a key member of their starting pitching lineup.
Pfaadt is determined to turn things around in 2026. In a recent interview with AZCentral's Nick Piecoro, he expressed his mindset: 'The stats don't carry over; I'm mentally and physically prepared for a strong year, and that's our focus.'
He continued, 'I've been too focused on past setbacks, and it's time to move on. My goal is to maintain consistency and not let past mistakes impact my performance.'
A significant factor in Pfaadt's success has been his sweeper pitch, a flat slider. In 2024, it yielded a .215 batting average and a .287 weighted on-base average (wOBA). However, in 2025, these numbers soared to .276 and .355, respectively. Pfaadt revealed to Piecoro that he made subtle adjustments to his delivery, aiming to restore the pitch's effectiveness.
'We experimented a lot with it last year,' he said. 'But it's been performing well in recent bullpens. This pitch is crucial for me. When it's on, I can rely on it. Last year, we were constantly adjusting, searching for the perfect version. This year, I plan to trust this pitch more.'
The main adjustment involves increasing the efficiency of his delivery, as noted by Piecoro. Pitching coach Brian Kaplan described it as staying 'through the catcher a little longer.'
If these adjustments enhance the quality of his pitches, Pfaadt could experience a more stable and successful season. His volatility has made him a challenging player to assess, but his ace-like performances have been evident. By maintaining the sweeper pitch at a higher level, he can elevate the rest of his arsenal, which continues to develop.
The Diamondbacks' latest news highlights Pfaadt's potential for a remarkable comeback in 2026, showcasing his determination and strategic adjustments.
