The 2023 RHP was a name we were not aware of going into this past season. That quickly changed when we made the trip out to Saskatoon with the Trackman for the Saskatchewan Open ID. The different movement patterns he produces on all 3 of his pitches is what has us so excited:

Let’s start with his fastball:

Although his velocity isn’t his calling card, it still sits in the top 20% in the country (78.1 mph). The elite aspect of his fastball, however, is his IVB which is top 10% (21.2). Despite a HB of -0.5, this is still a very effective movement pattern if located properly in the zone. From here, Lewendon’s off-speed pitches are set-up very nicely.

His curveball is arguably the best breaking ball in the country. It all starts with his ability to spin the ball. He produces a top 10% spin rate (2488) while also having the best spin score in the country (39.1). What makes it even more impressive is its movement pattern and tilt play off his fastball perfectly, his fastball has a tilt of 12:00 while his curveball has a tilt of 6:15. 

Lastly, his splitter. Although he only threw two in his bullpen, the potential for another elite offering is there. With a fastball that has a substantial amount of IVB, like his does, a changeup with a significant drop in IVB is a great offering to have. Lewendon’s splitter has an IVB of 7.3 which drastically differs from that of his fastball. The result of this, if his splitter is thrown with the same authority and arm slot as his fastball, will be a very effective third offering.

Ethan Lewendon has a bright future ahead. An option going forward, other than increasing his velocity, is to have all his pitches look the same out of his hand. This is his current release point for each of his pitches:

Although having an identical release point is not a mandatory improvement, elite hitters will start to pick up on minor differences and adjust accordingly. If Lewendon can tighten up his release points, his pitches will become that much more effective when he gets to the next level.