The Los Angeles Angels just made a genius move, locking up left-handed pitcher Nicolo Pinazzi before he could hit minor league free agency this Friday. Seriously, this guy’s journey is wild, and his 2026 numbers are going to make your jaw drop.
From Indie Ball to Untouchable: Pinazzi’s Lights-Out 2026 Season
You gotta understand how unbelievable Pinazzi’s 2026 run was. After signing a minor league deal right before the season, he ripped through every single level of the Angels’ system, from Class-A all the way up to Triple-A. Forty-eight appearances, people! And get this: a collective 0.84 ERA. That’s not a typo, folks. He punched out 103 batters in just 64 innings! He made 13 appearances for Double-A Rocket City, giving up just one earned run in 16.2 innings, and then nailed a scoreless outing in Triple-A. His 38.9% strikeout rate is elite, his 60.8% ground ball rate is super strong, even with a 12.5% walk rate. This dude *figured it out*.
Released, Reborn, And That ‘Cutter’ He Swears By
But Pinazzi’s story is even crazier when you look back. This 27-year-old first landed in pro ball in the US with the Reds in 2021, and it was a grind. Rookie ball, then one game in Class-A, then a rough 2023 where he gave up 20 earned runs in 18.1 innings. The Reds cut him loose before 2024, sending him to independent leagues. He bounced around, even posting an 8.13 ERA with the Idaho Falls Chukars in 2025. Then BAM! The Angels sign him, and suddenly he’s a different pitcher. What changed? Well, FanGraphs’ Brendan Gawlowski says his best pitch is a “nasty slider.” But Pinazzi himself? He calls it a cutter. “I say cutter, but it’s definitely a slider,” Pinazzi admitted. “I say cutter to delude myself, I throw more strikes that way.” Whatever he calls it, it’s working.
What This Insane Comeback Means For The Angels’ Bullpen Next Year
So, what’s next for this unexpected gem? Could he jump straight to the big league club? It’s possible, sure. But with his minor-league options untouched, he’s more likely to start 2027 in Triple-A. Regardless, the Angels aren’t letting this guy walk, and for good reason. He’s got an intriguing profile, and after the year he just put together, you better believe he’s going to be a key player to watch for their bullpen next season. Talk about a comeback story you can’t ignore.
This guy is an absolute wildcard, and after the year he just put together, you can bet the Angels aren’t going to let him out of their sight. Keep an eye on Nicolo Pinazzi when the next season rolls around, because if he keeps that magic, he’s going to be a huge part of their bullpen. What a turnaround, right?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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