The longtime Seattle Mariners ace has taken a new approach to pitching recently, making the changeup more a part of his arsenal.
NEW YORK -- Ever since Seattle Mariners fans were first introduced to starting pitcher Logan Gilbert in the 2021 season, we've known him to have three mainstay pitches.
While the usage rates of those pitches has fluctuated over the years, he's generally relied on his high-octane fastball, his slider, and his splitter. The splitter was developed in 2023 and has become a huge offering for him ever since.
However, in 2026, Gilbert has evolved a bit again. He's throwing his four-seam fastball (39 percent) more than he has in any year since 2023, and he's throwing his slider (24.7 percent) at his lowest rate since 2022.
He's added the cutter, a bit, and he's thrown a sweeper into the mix again, but another thing that's changed for him is the development of a changeup.
The lanky right-hander hadn't thrown a changeup since 2022 entering this season, but all of a sudden, his usage rate with the pitch is up to 7.6 percent, primarily against left-handed hitters.
Last Thursday in New York against the Yankees, Gilbert used his changeup 16 times in 95 pitches. He was brilliant, and the Mariners won 1-0.
We caught up with him after the game to talk about the development of that pitch and why he feels its important to have that, and a splitter, despite them having similar actions.
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Logan Gilbert (36) pitches to the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Steven Bisig-Imagn Images"Being able to zone a pitch that goes away from lefties was big. The slider's been good for me, but I like having a different look. And the 2-1 to Jazz (Chisholm) is probably my favorite one today. To throw that different look in a behind count, in zone, in a pretty good spot. So then if you throw that, the splitter, they have to respect it a little more and go. Anytime teams shut down on the splitter, you know, you don't want to eliminate a pitch, and I think the change up opens it up."
Gilbert will take the mound again on Wednesday for the Mariners, who are coming off the most lopsided loss in team history on Tuesday night. Seattle was beaten 22-0 by the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Mariners are now 59-67 on the season but they remain just four games back in the American League West. Though it's been a frustrating season, Seattle still has a chance to get to the playoffs for the second straight year.
Gilbert is 9-7 with a 3.28 ERA this season.
He was an All-Star in 2024.
Of note
The most recent edition of the 'Refuse to Lose Territory' podcast is out, featuring conversations about Jerry Dipoto, Colt Emerson, Dan Wilson, Bryan Woo and Brendan Donovan. You can listen here, or you can watch in the YouTube player below:
