May 3, 2025
Right-handed pitcher Ryan Watson focused on his velocity during the off-season. Watson, who was following the advice of the Toronto Blue Jays’ coaching staff; took that advice to heart during the off-season and it’s paying off in 2025.
“I focused on velocity this off-season,” said Watson. “I trained back at home. We trained a little bit with plyo balls and stuff like that in the weight room. I think it all goes in to throwing a little bit harder, it’s not just one thing. I was trying to get into a good routine to help my body recover a little bit better, so I can throw harder longer.”
Pitching 29 innings so far in 2025; Watson has racked up 21 K’s, has a WHIP of 0.69, and an ERA of 1.24.
Currently using a four-pitch mix of: a 2-seam fastball, a cutter, a slider, and a split change; Watson likes to work his 2-seam and cutter off each other.
“My 2-seam and cutter are the main two pitches I like to use,” explained Watson. “The majority of the time I work those pitches off each other. Like if I go 2-seam away on a right-handed batter, it leaves everything else active. So, cutter off of that will work away from the barrel of the hitter. If for some reason we don’t get him out on that, we’ll go slider after that.”
Sharpening his cutter was another focal point of his off-season and it showed up in spring training, along with his increased velocity.
“I was throwing a little bit harder this spring,” stated Watson. “That was one of the goals from the organization for me personally. That and work on my main out pitch which is my cutter. Everything was really sharp coming in. I’m just trying to repeat that and improve little by little this season.”
Be sure to follow Ryan Watson, as he continues to pitch well with increased velocity.