This Twins pitcher has performed well so far in 2026.
The Minnesota Twins are hoping to upset expectations during the 2026 MLB season. Starting pitcher Bailey Ober is doing everything he can to help the ball club accomplish that feat. Ober has impressed this year following his forgettable 2025 campaign.
In 2025, Ober pitched to a lackluster 5.10 ERA. He never found a rhythm on the mound and the right-handed hurler ended up having the worst year of his MLB career. So far in 2026, though, Ober is pitching to a 3.55 ERA.
He most recently led Minnesota to a 7-1 victory against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday. Ober out-dueled Kevin Gausman by allowing only one run across six innings of work. He only struck out two hitters, but Ober was able to find success nonetheless.
Ober looks like a completely different pitcher this season. So, what changed?
Bailey Ober's Big Bounce Back Season
Ober is doing many things at a higher level this season. Notably, the pitcher is doing a much better job of limiting hard contact. Ober allowed hard hits 39.1 percent of the time a season ago. Meanwhile, batters are hitting the ball hard against him only 30.1 percent of the time in 2026.
His home run allowed rate is also down from 4.8 percent last year to 2.5 percent this season. Additionally, Ober is getting more ground balls while limiting line drives and fly balls. However, his walk rate has surprisingly increased from last year, while Ober is striking out less hitters than he did in 2025.
Perhaps Ober is more willing to work out of the zone. He may have tried to throw too many strikes a season ago, which led to his down season despite having a strong walk percentage.
Limiting hard contact seems to be the primary difference this season. The right-handed hurler is in the 93rd percentile for average exit velocity and 88th percentile for hard-hit percentage.
Will Ober be able to maintain his current level of production on the mound? It remains to be seen, but he has clearly figured something out this year. The potential is unquestionably present for Ober to continue to find success.
The Twins are 14-18 overall and in fourth place in the American League Central standings at the moment. Minnesota is only two games back in the winnable AL Central, however. With Bailey Ober pitching well, perhaps the Twins can surprise the MLB world in 2026.