Rick Graham
@iamrickgraham.pitcherlist.com
Editor in Chief and Senior Relief Pitcher Analyst @PitcherList.com | Co-Host of the In The Pen Pod | NL ToutWars | FSWA, SABR and IBWAA member |
how ANYONE can watch this video and conclude that this ICE agent was in the right here is inconceivable. Yet, the consensus on X seems to be that this was a justified murder, which is so depressing, and makes it so hard to have faith in humanity.
“No amount of evidence will ever persuade an idiot.”
“No amount of evidence will ever persuade an idiot.”
This angle. My god.
NEW: Second video shows ICE shooting in Minneapolis. A woman, a U.S. citizen, was killed
January 7, 2026 at 7:21 PM
how ANYONE can watch this video and conclude that this ICE agent was in the right here is inconceivable. Yet, the consensus on X seems to be that this was a justified murder, which is so depressing, and makes it so hard to have faith in humanity.
“No amount of evidence will ever persuade an idiot.”
“No amount of evidence will ever persuade an idiot.”
Reposted by Rick Graham
Some personal news today (I may go a bit long).
January 7, 2026 at 3:04 PM
Some personal news today (I may go a bit long).
Reposted by Rick Graham
I’m incredibly honored for this new opportunity at @pitcherlist.com and looking forward to what’s next as we have some pretty big things in the pipeline…so stay tuned 👀
January 1, 2026 at 4:56 PM
I’m incredibly honored for this new opportunity at @pitcherlist.com and looking forward to what’s next as we have some pretty big things in the pipeline…so stay tuned 👀
Reposted by Rick Graham
Kirby Yates: Inks one-year deal with Angels
https://www.rotowire.com/baseball/player/kirby-yates-13221
https://www.rotowire.com/baseball/player/kirby-yates-13221
December 30, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Kirby Yates: Inks one-year deal with Angels
https://www.rotowire.com/baseball/player/kirby-yates-13221
https://www.rotowire.com/baseball/player/kirby-yates-13221
Shawn Armstrong 6-2 225, could be a move TE
December 18, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Shawn Armstrong 6-2 225, could be a move TE
The Guardians are building a TE room with their bullpen. Just need to swap in Franco Aleman for Matt Festa now.
December 18, 2025 at 8:46 PM
The Guardians are building a TE room with their bullpen. Just need to swap in Franco Aleman for Matt Festa now.
Teams who could still use a closer:
MIN
A's
TEX
WAS
AZ
SFG
MIA?
CWS?
STL?
LAA?
Remaining Free Agent Relievers:
P Fairbanks
S Armstrong
S Dominguez
T Kinley
P Johnson
S Barlow
K Yates
M Kopech
P Sewald
R Stanek
MIN
A's
TEX
WAS
AZ
SFG
MIA?
CWS?
STL?
LAA?
Remaining Free Agent Relievers:
P Fairbanks
S Armstrong
S Dominguez
T Kinley
P Johnson
S Barlow
K Yates
M Kopech
P Sewald
R Stanek
December 17, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Teams who could still use a closer:
MIN
A's
TEX
WAS
AZ
SFG
MIA?
CWS?
STL?
LAA?
Remaining Free Agent Relievers:
P Fairbanks
S Armstrong
S Dominguez
T Kinley
P Johnson
S Barlow
K Yates
M Kopech
P Sewald
R Stanek
MIN
A's
TEX
WAS
AZ
SFG
MIA?
CWS?
STL?
LAA?
Remaining Free Agent Relievers:
P Fairbanks
S Armstrong
S Dominguez
T Kinley
P Johnson
S Barlow
K Yates
M Kopech
P Sewald
R Stanek
Phillies get their Jeff Hoffman replacement two years later
News: Phillies are finalizing a deal with righty reliever Brad Keller, sources said. Two years, $22 million.
December 17, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Phillies get their Jeff Hoffman replacement two years later
Nice career turn for Kolek after being selected 2nd overall by the Marlins in 2014
This is just an extremely impressive performance in the second half by Tyler Kolek. Barely saw the floor as a rookie, Mike Brown gave him some runway to start the season, and he's rewarding him in a major, major way right now.
December 17, 2025 at 4:30 AM
Nice career turn for Kolek after being selected 2nd overall by the Marlins in 2014
Reposted by Rick Graham
Everything we do at Pitcher List couldn’t be done without the support of YOU!
With the new season right around the corner, we are opening up our lifetime subscriptions again for a limited time.
For a one-time payment, you receive lifetime access to everything current and future at PL!
With the new season right around the corner, we are opening up our lifetime subscriptions again for a limited time.
For a one-time payment, you receive lifetime access to everything current and future at PL!
December 16, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Everything we do at Pitcher List couldn’t be done without the support of YOU!
With the new season right around the corner, we are opening up our lifetime subscriptions again for a limited time.
For a one-time payment, you receive lifetime access to everything current and future at PL!
With the new season right around the corner, we are opening up our lifetime subscriptions again for a limited time.
For a one-time payment, you receive lifetime access to everything current and future at PL!
I think Miami and Arizona may be the best options remaining for him, not sure how serious either team is though. I feel like the Giants and Angels should be interested in a one year deal. The Rangers too but they aren’t willing to spend.
December 16, 2025 at 5:30 PM
I think Miami and Arizona may be the best options remaining for him, not sure how serious either team is though. I feel like the Giants and Angels should be interested in a one year deal. The Rangers too but they aren’t willing to spend.
Under the Radar Free Agent Relievers
Jordan Romano
Tyler Kinley
Ryne Stanek
Justin Wilson
Cam Booser
Jonathan Loáisiga
Michael Kopech
Hunter Harvey
Josh Sborz
Dauri Moreta
Jordan Romano
Tyler Kinley
Ryne Stanek
Justin Wilson
Cam Booser
Jonathan Loáisiga
Michael Kopech
Hunter Harvey
Josh Sborz
Dauri Moreta
December 16, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Under the Radar Free Agent Relievers
Jordan Romano
Tyler Kinley
Ryne Stanek
Justin Wilson
Cam Booser
Jonathan Loáisiga
Michael Kopech
Hunter Harvey
Josh Sborz
Dauri Moreta
Jordan Romano
Tyler Kinley
Ryne Stanek
Justin Wilson
Cam Booser
Jonathan Loáisiga
Michael Kopech
Hunter Harvey
Josh Sborz
Dauri Moreta
Top 5 Remaining Free Agent Relievers:
Pete Fairbanks
Luke Weaver
Brad Keller
Shawn Armstrong
Seranthony Domínguez
Bit of a drop off after this group…
Pete Fairbanks
Luke Weaver
Brad Keller
Shawn Armstrong
Seranthony Domínguez
Bit of a drop off after this group…
December 14, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Top 5 Remaining Free Agent Relievers:
Pete Fairbanks
Luke Weaver
Brad Keller
Shawn Armstrong
Seranthony Domínguez
Bit of a drop off after this group…
Pete Fairbanks
Luke Weaver
Brad Keller
Shawn Armstrong
Seranthony Domínguez
Bit of a drop off after this group…
Reposted by Rick Graham
Edwin Diaz agrees to Dodgers deal
December 9, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Edwin Diaz agrees to Dodgers deal
Reposted by Rick Graham
Per Alden González, the Padres plan to keep Mason Miller, Adrian Morejón and David Morgan in their bullpen next season.
December 8, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Per Alden González, the Padres plan to keep Mason Miller, Adrian Morejón and David Morgan in their bullpen next season.
Ferrer has a fun pitch mix (98 MPH sinker as a LHP) that hypothetically should result in better strikeout rates, but he’s improved over the past two years, and finished this season on a high note as he dominated in the second half (2.53 xFIP, 21.1% K-BB, 109 Stuff+). Nice compliment to Speier
Ferrer had a 4.48 ERA this past season with the Nationals, while Harry Ford was ranked as the 42nd best prospect, according to MLB Pipeline.
The Seattle Mariners and Washington Nationals swing a trade on eve of winter meetings: The Mariners acquiring LHP Jose Ferrer from the Nationals for catcher Harry Ford and RHP Isaac Lyon. Andrew Golden on it.
December 6, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Ferrer has a fun pitch mix (98 MPH sinker as a LHP) that hypothetically should result in better strikeout rates, but he’s improved over the past two years, and finished this season on a high note as he dominated in the second half (2.53 xFIP, 21.1% K-BB, 109 Stuff+). Nice compliment to Speier
They even got The Village People to close it out 😂
This FIFA World Cup draw is a bit right? Like this whole thing is a bit?
December 5, 2025 at 7:13 PM
They even got The Village People to close it out 😂
This FIFA World Cup draw is a bit right? Like this whole thing is a bit?
December 5, 2025 at 5:30 PM
This FIFA World Cup draw is a bit right? Like this whole thing is a bit?
Happy FanGraphs Walk-Off Day to those who celebrate
December 5, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Happy FanGraphs Walk-Off Day to those who celebrate
Went back to 2023 pitch usage, plus added 2 MPH to his fastball (cutter). The pitch also had better shape and better zone rate. Curveball also had better locations.
Increased sinker usage worked last year, not sure if it’s effective long term. The sweeper usage could improve.
Increased sinker usage worked last year, not sure if it’s effective long term. The sweeper usage could improve.
My latest takes a closer look at the numbers behind the Cubs signing relief pitcher Phil Maton
www.bleedcubbieblue.com/chicago-cubs...
www.bleedcubbieblue.com/chicago-cubs...
The Phil Maton signing by the numbers
The Cubs signed the righty to a two-year deal on Friday
www.bleedcubbieblue.com
December 4, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Went back to 2023 pitch usage, plus added 2 MPH to his fastball (cutter). The pitch also had better shape and better zone rate. Curveball also had better locations.
Increased sinker usage worked last year, not sure if it’s effective long term. The sweeper usage could improve.
Increased sinker usage worked last year, not sure if it’s effective long term. The sweeper usage could improve.
First 24 IP: 5.70 xERA, 1.54 WHIP, 23.1% K
Pitch Usage - 4S (29.9%), SI (23.9%), SL (13.9%), CH (32.3%)
Last 43 IP: 1.97 xERA, 0.69 WHIP, 30.4% K
Pitch Usage - 4S (46.3%), SI (22.6%), SL (7.5%), CH (24.4%)
Will success from increased 4seam usage over second half continue in 2026?
Pitch Usage - 4S (29.9%), SI (23.9%), SL (13.9%), CH (32.3%)
Last 43 IP: 1.97 xERA, 0.69 WHIP, 30.4% K
Pitch Usage - 4S (46.3%), SI (22.6%), SL (7.5%), CH (24.4%)
Will success from increased 4seam usage over second half continue in 2026?
Raisel Iglesias from May 1 onwards last season:
56.1 IP
2.72 ERA
2.44 FIP
28.4 K%
6.3 BB%
0.48 HR/9 (would've been a career best in a full season)
Tied for 6th in fWAR among RPs
11th-lowest FIP among RPs
56.1 IP
2.72 ERA
2.44 FIP
28.4 K%
6.3 BB%
0.48 HR/9 (would've been a career best in a full season)
Tied for 6th in fWAR among RPs
11th-lowest FIP among RPs
December 4, 2025 at 4:29 PM
First 24 IP: 5.70 xERA, 1.54 WHIP, 23.1% K
Pitch Usage - 4S (29.9%), SI (23.9%), SL (13.9%), CH (32.3%)
Last 43 IP: 1.97 xERA, 0.69 WHIP, 30.4% K
Pitch Usage - 4S (46.3%), SI (22.6%), SL (7.5%), CH (24.4%)
Will success from increased 4seam usage over second half continue in 2026?
Pitch Usage - 4S (29.9%), SI (23.9%), SL (13.9%), CH (32.3%)
Last 43 IP: 1.97 xERA, 0.69 WHIP, 30.4% K
Pitch Usage - 4S (46.3%), SI (22.6%), SL (7.5%), CH (24.4%)
Will success from increased 4seam usage over second half continue in 2026?
LOB% was 55.2%, his career mark is 75.8%, .299 BABIP highest since 2021
K rate was “down” (34.7%), but walk rate was his lowest since 2020 (the changeup may have caught too much of the plate?)
Overall, the underlying metrics point to Williams returning to top 5-6 closer status.
K rate was “down” (34.7%), but walk rate was his lowest since 2020 (the changeup may have caught too much of the plate?)
Overall, the underlying metrics point to Williams returning to top 5-6 closer status.
If anyone is interested in learning about Devin Williams beyond his ERA www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/dev...
Devin Williams free agency: Why top reliever is still a hot target despite down year
Williams had a career-worst season in the Bronx but his track record means teams aren't being scared off
www.cbssports.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:00 PM
LOB% was 55.2%, his career mark is 75.8%, .299 BABIP highest since 2021
K rate was “down” (34.7%), but walk rate was his lowest since 2020 (the changeup may have caught too much of the plate?)
Overall, the underlying metrics point to Williams returning to top 5-6 closer status.
K rate was “down” (34.7%), but walk rate was his lowest since 2020 (the changeup may have caught too much of the plate?)
Overall, the underlying metrics point to Williams returning to top 5-6 closer status.
Hi-Location FB down 8% (13th percentile)
Lo-Location FB up (94th percentile)
Overall F-Str% was down 8.4%
Slider PutAway% down 10% last year
Fix “tipping” issue, locate FB up in the zone, and get ahead of hitters = the slider being a PutAway pitch again and a bounce back 2026.
Lo-Location FB up (94th percentile)
Overall F-Str% was down 8.4%
Slider PutAway% down 10% last year
Fix “tipping” issue, locate FB up in the zone, and get ahead of hitters = the slider being a PutAway pitch again and a bounce back 2026.
In a Zoom call with reporters, Ryan Helsley said the Orioles talked to him about being their closer in 2026.
Helsley said other teams he spoke to also had closer openings. But he liked the opportunity in Baltimore and had heard good things from former teammates who played here.
Helsley said other teams he spoke to also had closer openings. But he liked the opportunity in Baltimore and had heard good things from former teammates who played here.
December 4, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Hi-Location FB down 8% (13th percentile)
Lo-Location FB up (94th percentile)
Overall F-Str% was down 8.4%
Slider PutAway% down 10% last year
Fix “tipping” issue, locate FB up in the zone, and get ahead of hitters = the slider being a PutAway pitch again and a bounce back 2026.
Lo-Location FB up (94th percentile)
Overall F-Str% was down 8.4%
Slider PutAway% down 10% last year
Fix “tipping” issue, locate FB up in the zone, and get ahead of hitters = the slider being a PutAway pitch again and a bounce back 2026.
Pagán vs. LH hitters
2025: .161 BA against, .507 OPS against
Career: .215 BA against, .721 OPS against
Pagán’s Splitter BABIP 2022-25
22: .362
23: .364
24: .455
25: .182!
Splitters are volatile and I’d expect some negative regression from Pagán but I still think he can be OK.
2025: .161 BA against, .507 OPS against
Career: .215 BA against, .721 OPS against
Pagán’s Splitter BABIP 2022-25
22: .362
23: .364
24: .455
25: .182!
Splitters are volatile and I’d expect some negative regression from Pagán but I still think he can be OK.
December 4, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Pagán vs. LH hitters
2025: .161 BA against, .507 OPS against
Career: .215 BA against, .721 OPS against
Pagán’s Splitter BABIP 2022-25
22: .362
23: .364
24: .455
25: .182!
Splitters are volatile and I’d expect some negative regression from Pagán but I still think he can be OK.
2025: .161 BA against, .507 OPS against
Career: .215 BA against, .721 OPS against
Pagán’s Splitter BABIP 2022-25
22: .362
23: .364
24: .455
25: .182!
Splitters are volatile and I’d expect some negative regression from Pagán but I still think he can be OK.