Three-Pitch Mastery: Sánchez’s Changeup Redefines NL Pitching

Verducci argues Cristopher Sánchez’s elite two-plane changeup—high spin, similar release to his sinker and strong movement—has become the backbone of the Phillies and a leading argument in the NL Cy Young race, with Ohtani also a strong contender; the piece also notes a broader shift in modern pitching away from four-seam fastballs toward off-speed and spin-heavy offerings.