Since the All Star break, there have been a handful of young pitchers that have shined in the second half. This article will highlight some of the best young pitchers in the league currently, who have elevated their game further in the second half of the 2024 season.
Most K’s since the MLB All-Star break among qualified rookies
— StatsBrad (@StatsBrad) August 19, 2024
1. S. Schwellenbach (ATL) – 44
2. S. Arrighetti (HOU) – 41
3. Shota Imanaga (CHC) – 39
4. Paul Skenes (PIT) – 32
5. Kyle Harrison (SF) – 30
6. R. Mu̱oz (MIA) Р25
T7. Luis Gil (NYY) – 23
T7. Tobias Myers (MIL) – 23 pic.twitter.com/WRlLkf51MQ
Spencer Schwellenbach RHP – Atlanta Braves (Age: 24)
Current 2024 Stats: 13 G | 4-6 | 4.04 ERA | 75.2 IP | 85 SO | 1.07 WHIP
Schwellenbach debuted for the Braves back in late May of this season, and slightly struggled through his first full month of his major league career. Since July however, Schwellenbach has improved. Since July 6th, Schwellenbach has had seven starts and has gone at least six innings in six out of seven of those starts. In four of those seven starts, Schwellenbach struck out eight or more, with ten or more strikeouts in two of those seven starts.
His advanced metrics look very good this season. He ranks in the 98th percentile of chase rate and the 95th percentile for walk rate. As time goes on, he should improve his ground ball numbers as well as his ability to limit harder contact. There have been multiple starts as of late where Schwellenbach has given up multiple home runs, and he should look to limit the long ball in the future.
Luis Gil RHP – New York Yankees (Age 26)
Current 2024 Stats: 23 G | 12-6 | 3.25 ERA | 121.2 IP | 141 SO | 1.15 WHIP
Gil has been a workhorse for the Yankees since coming off of a long injury hiatus. One of the leading candidates for the American League Rookie of the Year award, Gil has been impressive taking a massive amount of innings. He hit a skid in June but has picked it up and is still one of the most reliable pitchers in the Yankee rotation.
He ranks in the 90th percentile in fastball velocity, with a heater that averages out at 97 MPH. He’s well above average in strikeout and whiff rate as well. If Gil can improve his command especially early in starts, he’ll be able to elevate his game to a completely higher level.
Spencer Arrighetti RHP – Houston Astros (Age 24)
Current 2024 Stats: 22 G | 5-11 | 5.20 ERA | 110.2 IP | 134 SO | 1.45 WHIP
It’s been a bit of an up and down season for Arrighetti, who’s struggled to limit runs, and walks in his first season in the MLB. Arrighetti has gotten a good amount of innings under his belt, and recently has put together more quality starts. He’s gone six innings in at least five of his last six starts, recording at least seven strikeouts in four of those six starts.
Arrighetti has been well above average in whiff and strikeout rate this season, with a fastball that’s velocity currently sits at league average. If he can improve his walk rate and limit harder hit contact, Arrighetti can be a very solid piece of the Houston rotation.
Paul Skenes RHP – Pittsburgh Pirates (Age 22)
Current 2024 Stats: 16 G | 7-2 | 2.30 ERA | 98 IP | 121 SO | 0.97 WHIP
It’d feel wrong not to mention Paul Skenes. The National League All Star starter has slightly come back to earth since the electrifying first half he put together, but has still been incredible. In four of his last five starts since the All Star break, Skenes has gone at least six innings and the strikeout numbers have still been there.
Skenes ranks in the 94th percentile of strikeout rate, striking out nearly 32% of his batters. He’s still in the upper echelon of fastball velocity and has the most incredible pitches in his arsenal on display in every start. At 22 years old, fans are witnessing a generational talent.
Tobias Myers RHP – Milwaukee Brewers (Age 26)
Current 2024 Stats: 19 G | 6-5 | 2.81 ERA | 99.1 IP | 85 SO | 1.11 WHIP
Myers has excelled since the All Star break when it comes to limiting earned runs. He hasn’t given up more than two earned runs in a start since July 4th. He’s had multiple starts where he’s gone at least five innings as well and the strikeout numbers have been great.
His walk rate has been well above average sitting at 6.2% currently. He has a solid cutter and slider, if he can improve the fastball and changeup, he’ll have a very solid pitch mix. For a Brewers rotation that needs solid pitchers, Myers can continue to develop into a great starter.