The transition from reliever to starter is one of baseball’s most intriguing transformations, and 2026 has given us three pitchers who’ve taken on this challenge. What makes this particularly fascinating is how each pitcher’s journey reflects broader trends in the sport—from pitch evolution to team strategy. Personally, I think this shift isn’t just about role changes; it’s a window into the adaptability of players and the strategic ingenuity of teams. Let’s dive into these cases, but with a twist: I’ll be sharing my own interpretations and speculations along the way.
Ben Brown: The Cubs’ Calculated Risk
Ben Brown’s transition to the Cubs’ rotation feels like a high-stakes gamble that’s paying off—for now. One thing that immediately stands out is his reliance on the knuckle curve and four-seamer, which account for nearly 80% of his pitches. But what many people don’t realize is that his sinker, a relatively new addition, is the real game-changer. It’s not just about the pitch itself; it’s how it fits into his arsenal. The sinker’s movement profile—dropping three inches more than his four-seamer—creates a subtle yet effective contrast. If you take a step back and think about it, this pitch isn’t just about generating groundballs (63.6% rate); it’s about keeping hitters off-balance. Brown’s sinker is like a puzzle piece that completes his repertoire against right-handed hitters.
A detail that I find especially interesting is his changeup’s evolution. In 2026, it gained nearly four inches of downward movement, aligning with his career-best 104 Stuff+. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a strategic adjustment that gives him an edge against left-handed hitters. What this really suggests is that Brown isn’t just a pitcher with good stuff—he’s a pitcher who’s actively refining his craft. However, his changeup’s location against lefties could use some fine-tuning. If he can master that, he’ll be a force to reckon with.
Griffin Jax: The Rays’ High-Risk, High-Reward Experiment
Griffin Jax’s story is a bit more complicated. The Rays, known for their love of elite stuff, moved him into the rotation after a rough start as a reliever. What’s intriguing here is his pitch consolidation. Jax has leaned heavily on his four-seam, sweeper, and sinker, phasing out his once-reliable slider and changeup. This raises a deeper question: Is this a temporary adjustment, or a long-term strategy? His sweeper, in particular, has lost some of its bite, with a Stuff+ drop from 127 in 2025 to 112 in 2026. But here’s the twist: it’s still effective against right-handed hitters, allowing a .047 wOBA.
What many people don’t realize is that Jax’s sinker and changeup have similar movement profiles, which could confuse hitters. However, his sinker’s location has been less precise in 2026, leading to harder contact from righties. Personally, I think Jax needs to reintroduce his changeup more aggressively, especially against right-handed hitters. It’s a pitch that could play up if thrown low and below the zone, generating whiffs and weak contact. The Rays have a history of developing relievers into starters, but Jax’s path feels more uncertain. His workload is likely capped at around 80 pitches per start, which limits his fantasy upside. Still, his deep arsenal and above-average stuff make him worth monitoring.
Walbert Urena: The Angels’ Groundball Specialist
Walbert Urena is the wildcard of the group. His 52.1% groundball rate in 2026 is impressive, driven largely by his changeup and sinker. But here’s the catch: his walk rate is alarmingly high, with a 41.2% ball rate. This isn’t just a minor flaw; it’s a red flag that could derail his success. What makes this particularly fascinating is how his changeup, with its high arm-side run, compares to elite pitches from the likes of Dustin May and Paul Skenes. It’s a pitch that generates weak contact and whiffs, especially against right-handed hitters.
One thing that immediately stands out is Urena’s predictable movement profiles. Most of his pitches move toward his arm side, making his arsenal somewhat one-dimensional. If you take a step back and think about it, adding a gyro-like slider or cutter could make him less predictable. Personally, I think Urena has the tools to succeed, but his command issues and lack of pitch diversity limit his ceiling. He’s a deep-league streamer with upside, but don’t expect him to be a fantasy star anytime soon.
Broader Implications: The Reliever-to-Starter Pipeline
These three pitchers highlight a larger trend in baseball: teams are increasingly experimenting with relievers as starters. The Rays, in particular, have made this a cornerstone of their strategy. But what this really suggests is that the line between reliever and starter is blurring. Pitchers like Brown, Jax, and Urena aren’t just changing roles; they’re redefining what it means to be a starting pitcher in the modern game.
In my opinion, this trend will only accelerate as teams seek to maximize the value of their pitching staffs. However, it’s not without risks. Workload management, pitch evolution, and command issues are just a few of the challenges these pitchers face. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just about individual players—it’s about the future of pitching in baseball.
Final Thoughts
Ben Brown, Griffin Jax, and Walbert Urena are more than just pitchers making a role change; they’re case studies in adaptability and innovation. Each has shown promise, but their journeys are far from over. Personally, I’m most bullish on Brown, who seems to have the tools and the mindset to thrive in his new role. Jax and Urena, meanwhile, will need to address their respective weaknesses to reach their full potential.
What this really suggests is that the reliever-to-starter transition isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition. It requires careful pitch evolution, strategic workload management, and a bit of luck. As we watch these pitchers in 2026 and beyond, we’re not just witnessing individual careers—we’re seeing the evolution of the game itself.
