Graham Ashcraft's journey in the Cincinnati Reds organization has been a rollercoaster, but his 2025 season marked a significant turning point. After a disappointing 2024, where he struggled as a starter, Ashcraft found his niche in the bullpen. This shift in role allowed him to focus on his strengths and make strategic adjustments to his pitching arsenal.
The Art of Simplification:
Ashcraft's transformation began with a reduction in his pitch repertoire. By eliminating his sinker and changeup, he streamlined his approach, emphasizing his cutter and slider. This simplification paid off, as he increased the usage of his slider, his best pitch, from 32% to 46% in relief situations. The results were impressive, with his velocity rising and his slider gaining depth and movement.
Stats Speak Volumes:
The numbers tell a compelling story. Ashcraft's cutter velocity increased from 95.6 mph in 2024 to 97.1 mph in 2025, and his slider velocity rose from 88.4 mph to 89.8 mph. These improvements translated into better stuff metrics, with his cutter earning a 118 Stuff+ rating and his slider maintaining an elite 128 Stuff+ rating. The increased velocity and movement resulted in more swings and misses, as evidenced by his strikeout rate jumping from 16.3% to 22.5%.
Command and Control:
Ashcraft's newfound command was a game-changer. He threw an astonishing 60.8% of his pitches to the glove-side part of the plate, a 99th-percentile mark. This approach forced right-handed hitters to roll over pitches and induced soft contact from left-handed hitters. His ability to dictate the terms of engagement and limit damage was a significant factor in his success.
Luck vs. Skill:
Despite a 3.99 ERA, Ashcraft's season was not without its challenges. His home run luck was a concern, as he gave up more home runs than expected. However, his improved stuff and command played a crucial role in minimizing damage. Ashcraft's strikeout-plus-walk rate increased, and he forced hitters to settle for ground balls, limiting their ability to string together hits.
Sustainable Success:
The 2025 season showcased Ashcraft's ability to create a sustainable success. His efficiency and command allowed him to outperform his peripherals, and his improved stuff metrics provided a solid foundation for future growth. As he looks ahead to 2026, Ashcraft has the blueprint to continue suppressing damage and building upon his newfound success.
