Summary:
Bill Hezel deserves the bulk of the credit for Alex Cobb’s resurgence. He led Cobb’s mechanical overhaul and velocity gains in 2022—changes that extended Cobb’s career and gave him the foundation to keep competing into his mid-30s. My involvement came in 2023, helping Cobb add a sweeper to give him another option against right-handed hitters.

Before Training:
Cobb had relied on his sinker and splitter for most of his career, but as his spin efficiency declined and his delivery became more aggressive, his traditional curveball became less effective as a horizontal weapon. He needed something that fit his new movement profile.

What We Worked On:

• Sweeper Addition: Added a shorter, firmer breaking ball with 12+ inches of sweep at 86.2 mph
  
  
  

• Pitch Fit: The sweeper paired more naturally with his sinker than his old curve, especially as he became more east-west in his movement patterns due to increased tempo and intent
  
  
  

• Usage Plan: Built to be used selectively—primarily to give right-handed hitters a different look when the splitter wasn’t the right option
  
  
  

Key Metrics:

• Whiff Rate on Sweeper (2023): 30%+ in limited usage
  
  
  

• Movement Profile: Over 12 inches of horizontal break
  
  
  

• Application: Small sample so far, but it shows promise as one of the more underrated breaking balls from a right-hander—pending more usage
  
  
  

• Career Longevity Impact: Added value late in his career without disrupting the sinker/splitter identity
  
  
  

Reflection:
The biggest reason Alex Cobb stayed in the league—and got better—was the work he did with Bill Hezel. My contribution was minor by comparison, focused only on expanding pitch options once his body and delivery were back in a sustainable place. The sweeper hasn’t had a large sample yet, but it gave him a useful look to pair with his evolved mechanics. Most of all, it reflects the value of continuing to adapt, even late in a career.

Videos / Content:

• SI Article on Alex Cobb

• Adapt or Die: Cobb 

• MLBPA Video: Cobb Training Clip