As the Kansas City Royals prepare for spring training and pencil in the opening roster, pitcher Brady Singer’s uncertainty is a significant concern for the team’s pitching rotation. Throughout Singer’s four-year stint in the MLB, he has compiled a 27-31 record with a 4.49 ERA, showcasing a level of volatility that keeps fans and analysts on their toes.
Singer uses a variety of four pitches, with his sinker being his go-to at 51.1%, closely followed by the slider at 42.0%. Yet, Singer’s pitching style remains mysterious due to his infrequent use of the changeup (6.3%) and the seldom-used sweeper (0.5%). The variety of pitches, or lack thereof, in Singer’s arsenal adds to the instability that characterizes his outings on the mound. Singer’s pitching arsenal has a significant question mark due to his puzzling relationship with the changeup. Despite the potential to be a game-changer, Singer uses this pitch sporadically, creating an unpredictable pattern for opposing batters. Whether it’s due to personal preference, discomfort, or a challenge to perfect the – pitch, the methodical use of the changeup brings an element of unpredictability that can impact Singer’s performance. With the element of surprise throwing off batters, Singer is exposed due to the absence of a consistent third pitch to mix things up.
Singer’s pitching arsenal is built around his slider-sinker combination. Nevertheless, the inconsistency and absence of harmony between these two pitches contribute an additional dimension to the fluctuation in data. There are times when the slider and sinker work well together, but frequently, they do not mesh smoothly. The Royals are constantly in a tough spot whenever Singer pitches, unsure if he will be dominant or struggle to find his command.
In a notable shift in strategy, Brady Singer bid farewell to his 4-seam fastball after the conclusion of the 2022 season. The statistics for his 4-seam fastball in the 2022 season reflect a pitch that, while sparingly used, demonstrated its effectiveness with a 0.5 wFA and an average velocity of 92.6 mph. The decision to part ways with this pitch is evident in the numbers from previous seasons, with Singer employing the 4-seam fastball in 2021 and 2020, showcasing its varying impact on his pitching arsenal. The removal of this pitch adds another layer to the unreliable nature of Singer’s pitching.
Compounding the situation is Singer’s medical background. An injury to his lower back cut short his 2023 season, emphasizing how fragile his physical condition is and adding to the uncertainty surrounding his performances. As the team strategizes for the upcoming season, they face the challenge of Singer’s physical health and his ability to stay strong throughout the season.
Brady Singer is a wildcard in the Royals’ pitching rotation, standing out in a sport where predictability is often coveted. Using the changeup sparingly, the unreliable slider-sinker combination, and ongoing health issues all create uncertainty. As the 2024 season progresses, the Royals and their fans ponder which Brady Singer will show up on the mound each game—a potential ace or a mystery waiting to be unraveled.
