Michael Soroka has had a crazy trip to the Washington Nationals. I wrote about it earlier this month. But after two dominant spring training began, it’s time to write about his stuff and how he can make a big impact on the NAT field.
In seven spring training innings, Soroka allowed one run during nine punchouts. The eye test may be even more impressive than the numbers. He looks like the dominant pitcher and is ready to plunge into the scene.
Soroka has a history of being the dominant pitcher in the past. and Top 6 Cy Young finishes on the All-Star Game and his resume. In 2019, Soroka, 21 at the time, looked like the ace of the future for the Braves. We know that talent is there. Shortly after so many injuries, there was a question of whether he would return to these 2019 levels.
However, it would be wrong to say that Soroka will return to the same pitcher as him in 2019. He has evolved since then. Soroka was a sinker boller in 2019 Throw the pitch 45% of the time.
Now he’s throwing a 4-seam fastball at a faster speed than ever before. He was after an average of 93.2 mph last year. Sitting This spring is 95 mph. The staff model is also a huge fan of Soroka’s works this spring. Eno Saris Stuff+ Model Grade Soroka The third most troublesome pitcher Behind Blake Snell and Gavin Williams this spring.
Of course, it’s not everything, but it makes life much easier. Soroka had some walking problems last season, but he had Pinpoint Command in his Atlanta days. His control issues may be from a lack of action. Due to all his injuries, Soroka had measles Pitch 46 MLB Inning From 2020 to 2023. He only walked one batter this spring.
Now Soroka looks a long time ago and is ready to become a pitcher who knows what he can do. Michael Soroca appears to be a genius business for Mike Rizzo. There are so many options in his future. He’s only 27 years old, so if he pitched enough, it makes sense to lock him in and make him part of his younger core.
However, if Nats are out of the race and are about to sell to trade deadlines again, Soroka could be an interesting piece for the candidate. And Nat could just bring him back if they wanted, who knew. That’s what the Tigers did with Jack Flaherty, a big pitcher in 2019, and have since hit the road.
Soroka could become Jack Flaherty this year. If so, that could be great for NAT. Hopefully it works like the Tigers. The Tigers made the playoffs anyway and traded the right-handed person for top 100 prospects before retrieving Flaherty. Michael Soroka was the Nationals’ best pitcher this spring and gave me a lot of optimism.