How Rick Porcello Stays a Valuable MLB Starting Pitcher

Rick Porcello is a testament to unwavering consistency in Major League Baseball (MLB). Known as a proven commodity, Porcello has demonstrated reliability and durability throughout his career, often serving as a steady presence in the starting rotation. Specifically, since making his debut as a full-time starter at age 20 in 2009, he has consistently shown up as a workhorse, completing at least 27 starts and pitching a minimum of 162 innings annually. This consistency is reflected in his record of making the 5th-most starts and throwing the 8th-most innings in the past decade, spanning 2010 to 2019.

The Reliability of a Proven Commodity

Porcello's seasoned approach to pitching offers significant value to his current and past teams. While his pitching style may not be exciting, his ability to deliver pitch after pitch without major injuries is invaluable. In a league where even a season free from injuries is rare, Porcello's consistent availability is a rare and highly sought-after trait.

Counting Stats and Peripherals

Coming from a decade of MLB experience, Porcello's counting statistics are both hilarious and indicative of his true pitching abilities. Notably, he surrendered exactly 1000 runs in the 2010s, second only to Mike Leake's 905. In 2020, he allowed a blistering 202 hits, a title that even Leake couldn't match. Although these results aren't particularly impressive, his performance in terms of peripherals suggests a different narrative.

Fantasy and Reality in Pitching Performance

When evaluating pitchers, it's essential to not cling too closely to the 2020 season data, given the unique circumstances of that year. The 2020 season saw MLB teams facing numerous challenges, including playing in empty stadiums and inexperienced umpiring crews. These factors significantly impacted pitcher performance. Despite the challenges, Rick Porcello remains a reliable option for any team. He is now a fifth starter for the Mets, joining a rotation that is light on top performers.

Perception and Reality of MLB Pitcher Shortage

Some might argue that the MLB landscape is oversaturated with talent, but the truth is that there is a shortage of quality pitchers capable of consistently performing at a high level. If better pitchers were indeed available, they would be utilized instead of paying for less optimal performances. Teams thus turn to pitchers whose peripherals indicate they can perform better than counting stats suggest, or pitchers they believe have potential to improve.

The Role of Peripherals in Pitching Performance

Porcello's peripherals, such as groundball rate, strikeout rate, and walk rate, have shown a consistency. He continues to be a groundball pitcher, maintaining a strikeout rate and walk rate comparable to what he showed six years ago and significantly better than his early career years. One notable change is the increase in fly-ball rate since 2017, a trend shared by most pitchers owing to the launch angle craze and the softer baseballs used in the game.

The Evolution of Pitching Tactics

To combat the increased home runs, pitchers have reverted to a more traditional approach, favoring high velocity fastballs and a higher frequency of breaking pitches. This shift has been effective, provided a pitcher can locate his pitches. Since 2018, Porcello has seen more in-zone contact from batters, indicating that he leaves his pitches over the fat part of the plate too much. This suggests that adjustments in his pitching mechanics may be necessary to regain the effectiveness he once had.

Conclusion

Rick Porcello's consistency and reliability make him a valuable asset despite his less-than-stellar counting stats. His peripherals suggest a pitcher who is more effective than his naked numbers suggest. As the MLB continues to evolve, teams often look for pitchers who can be improved or who provide a steady, reliable performance, like Porcello. His journey over the years underscores the importance of longevity and adaptability in a competitive league.