If there's ever a time for pitchers to start throwing new pitches, it's spring training. Refining grips, delivery, and pitch shape take time, but the preseason allows hurlers to test their stuff in live reps without any real consequences. Logan Gilbert has already been toying with new fastball variants but experts like ESPN's Jeff Passan believe a splinker could be in the works as well.
Logan Gilbert has experimented with the splinker this spring to impressive results
In a preview of the Mariners' season, Passan wrote that he wouldn't be surprised if Gilbert "becomes the latest pitcher to master the splinker" and he's not the first to point this out.