Current and Future Pitching Trends

In recent years we have seen a dramatic evolution in pitching technology. With front offices renewed emphasis on pitch shape, pitch selection, sequencing, pitch velocity, arm angle and handedness. Now with a few weeks of the 2020 season under our belt, and the new rule change requiring pitchers to face a 3 batter minimum in effect, what trends do people see emerging?

Personally, what I have noticed:

• Pitchers opting for the Splitter instead of the Change Up 
• Pitchers opting for more Cutters instead of 4 Seam Fastball
• Fewer pitchers will opt to throw traditional pitch type mixes
• Re-emphasis on throwing more than 1 Fastball (Cutter, 2 Seam, Sinker, 4 Seam, Split)
• More hard Change Ups - emphasis on movement & tunneling over velocity gap
• Fewer Starters - more opener/featured, bullpen day, and piggyback multi-inning relievers.
• More pitching "backwards"

What do you see?