"Ritchie touches 97 with both of his fastballs, and after years of sitting 91-93, he added a tick and change in 2025, when his heater averaged 93.9 mph. While not a seismic breakout, it's a meaningful step forward for a strike-thrower with a change and good feel to spin, one who has been on the 45/50 line in previous evaluation cycles."
"While not a seismic breakout, it's a meaningful step forward for a strike-thrower with a change and good feel to spin, one who has been on the 45/50 line in previous evaluation cycles. The extra velo gives him more wiggle room in the zone, and his ability to command the ball to both sides of the plate suggests he'll fully leverage it."
Ritchie’s fastball velocity rose in 2025, touching 97 mph and averaging 93.9 mph after years of sitting 91–93. The gain represented a tick and change rather than a seismic breakout, but it provided a meaningful improvement for his profile. Ritchie complements his heater with a changeup and shows a good feel for spin. Previous evaluations placed him on the 45/50 scale. The added velocity creates more wiggle room in the strike zone, and his ability to command the ball to both sides of the plate suggests he will fully leverage the extra speed.
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