Milwaukee Brewers stud reliever/closer Devin Williams is known around the league for his changeup. It has been given the nickname the “air bender” for its unusual movement. Those fans that see it frequently have coined it the best pitch on the planet and Rob Friedman, otherwise known as the Pitching Ninja, has confirmed those suspicions.
In a great 26 minute video breakdown of changeups seen over the last 40 years, Devin Williams’ air bender is the best. Here is a list of players that his changeup ranks as more superior than.
- Mario Soto
- Nolan Ryan
- Frank Viola,
- Doug Jones
- Jamie Moyer
- Tom Glavine
- Greg Maddux
- Pedro Martinez
- Trevor Hoffman
- Eric Gagne
- Johan Santana
- Tim Lincecum
- Felix Hernandez
- Zack Greinke
- Cole Hamels
- Johnny Cueto
- Max Scherzer
- Stephen Strasburg
- Kyle Hendricks
- Lucas Giolito
- Luis Castillo
- Sixto Sanchez
That is quite an impressive list of players with immaculate change ups. Thankfully the Pitching Ninja did a full video breakdown on each as well as grips used. It’s fair to say that Devin Williams changeup is unlike any pitch that we have ever seen before.
Milwaukee Brewers Devin Williams has the best changeup among any pitcher seen in the last 40 years.