![\"C\u00f3](\"https:\/\/scontent.fdad1-4.fna.fbcdn.net\/v\/t39.30808-6\/464431314_963775472451515_4135190733063101035_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=F6x4mhfaB58Q7kNvgEufzzK&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fdad1-4.fna&_nc_gid=A-7QDq526xqIXzPGITHDiuw&oh=00_AYBQcPRaL4BsrLiJe0_mXgWiG2o6csD2-0K220Sy3cCIWg&oe=67253326\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
DL Hall\u2019s journey with the Brewers has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Initial struggles were marked by a rough 7.71 ERA in four injury-laden starts, followed by a grueling three-month rehab.<\/p>\n
But Hall\u2019s story took a positive turn as he finished the season strong. In 26 2\/3 innings after his August return, he managed a more respectable 3.38 ERA, 3.28 FIP, and a solid 27.4% strikeout rate\u2014indications of promise.<\/p>\n
A key element of this improvement was Hall\u2019s average fastball velocity, which bumped up from 92.3 mph to 94.3 mph post-rehab. Still, it was not quite the blistering speed we saw when he was a key bullpen piece for the Orioles, yet it\u2019s more in line with expectations for his role. But here\u2019s the catch: despite the added heat, Hall\u2019s fastball failed to impress where it truly counts.<\/p>\n
You might recall when the Brewers acquired Hall in the Corbin Burnes trade; his fastball was touted as the gem of the package, conjuring 28% whiff rates in his early MLB days. Back then, the pitch earned a sparkling 70-grade on scouting scales.<\/p>\n
However, the fastball never lived up to its billing in Milwaukee. During the season, its whiff rate lingered below the league average for four-seamers, hinting at mediocrity rather than menace.<\/p>\n
The issue with Hall\u2019s fastball isn\u2019t just speed\u2014it\u2019s the lack of movement and deception. While it gained some vertical break, it couldn\u2019t domineer as expected, its vertical angle matched that of an average four-seamer. The metrics aren\u2019t kind, seeing it as pass\u00e9.<\/p>\n
A roaring fastball combines speed, spin, and a strategic edge, often delivered high in the zone to flummox hitters. Hall\u2019s fastball didn\u2019t tick enough of these boxes in 2024, leaving the Brewers with a bit of a conundrum.<\/p>\n
Hall\u2019s fastball lacked the juice needed to be the centerpiece of his pitching arsenal. Instead, it became just another pitch in the mix.<\/p>\n
Moving forward, the Brewers have a few options. The offseason presents a valuable window for Hall to work closely with Milwaukee\u2019s development staff.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s an opportunity here to fine-tune his mechanics and perhaps dial back some life into his fastball\u2019s lethality. But, if the fastball doesn\u2019t wow again, the Brewers might have to recalibrate their expectations.<\/p>\n
If Hall can\u2019t elevate his fastball\u2019s game, he might find himself transitioning into a more bullpen-centric role, where he previously thrived. And with high-leverage potential, it\u2019s not a bad fallback. However, there\u2019s still a pathway for Hall as a starter, just not the originally envisioned one.<\/p>\n
Right now, Hall\u2019s fastball isn\u2019t his ace in the hole. Instead, he\u2019s pivoting to rely more on an impressive array of secondary pitches.<\/p>\n
His curveball, slider, and changeup collectively held hitters to a .260 wOBA with a whiff rate of 33.7%, contributing to the majority of his strikeouts. In sections of the season, Hall leaned into this diversity, throwing fewer fastballs and achieving better results\u2014a sharp 2.89 ERA and a 30.4% strikeout rate in his last few outings.<\/p>\n
However, this soft-and-spin-heavy style has its limitations. Hall\u2019s secondary pitches often work best out of the zone\u2014an enticing chase\u2014leaving his curveball as the go-to for strikes.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a fine line: too many in-zone curveballs could cause trouble. To secure his starting role, Hall might ponder adding a cutter or two-seamer to make his fastball package more well-rounded.<\/p>\n
In absence of a dominant fastball, Hall\u2019s ceiling might settle as a back-end starter\u2014a valuable role, yet a touch below the Brewers\u2019 original hopes. Yet, Milwaukee\u2019s success with similar arms like Colin Rea, Aaron Civale, and Bryse Wilson shows there\u2019s still a winning formula in play.<\/p>\n
The Brewers have yet to make a call on Hall\u2019s 2025 role. Ideally, he\u2019ll ready himself as a starter through the offseason, hoping his fastball finds its footing.<\/p>\n
If not, the Brewers may find themselves navigating new routes for Hall, a left-hander once poised for a rotation role behind Freddy Peralta. The offseason clock is ticking, and the Brewers are waiting to see if Hall can unlock his full potential.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
DL Hall\u2019s journey with the Brewers has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Initial struggles were marked by a rough 7.71 ERA in four injury-laden starts, followed… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1812,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1811","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\n