Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Schatz
Throughout baseball history, the changeup has been one of the most effective weapons in a pitcher’s arsenal. From Trevor Hoffman’s legendary “circle change” to Pedro Martinez’s devastating off-speed pitch, these hurlers mastered the art of deception. Let’s explore the 11 pitchers who possessed the most remarkable changeups ever thrown.
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1. Trevor Hoffman: The Circle Change Master
Trevor Hoffman’s circle change became baseball’s most feared pitch during his legendary career. Thrown 10-12 mph slower than his fastball but with identical arm action, this pitch helped him secure 601 saves. The devastating movement made even veteran hitters look foolish, particularly impressive considering he relied on it heavily after losing fastball velocity early in his career.
2. Pedro Martinez: The Perfect Complement
Martinez’s changeup was the perfect complement to his blazing fastball. Throwing his fastball at 95-97 mph, then delivering a changeup around 78-82 mph with identical motion created an almost unhittable combination. This devastating pitch helped him achieve perhaps the most dominant stretch by any pitcher in baseball history during 1999-2000.
3. Johan Santana: The Circle Change Artist
Santana’s circle change defined his dominant years with the Twins. His exceptional late movement that broke away from right-handed hitters, combined with perfect arm speed deception, made him nearly unhittable from 2004-2008. This signature pitch was instrumental in securing his two Cy Young Awards.
4. Tom Glavine: The Two-Side Master
Glavine’s changeup stood out for its versatility, as he could throw it effectively to both sides of the plate. His precise control and ability to set up hitters with fastballs away before delivering the devastating changeup helped him win 305 games and earn his place in Cooperstown.
5. Cole Hamels: The Devastator
Hamels’ changeup, nicknamed “The Devastator” by teammates, was a pitch he mastered from age 12. The pitch appeared to float toward the plate before dropping sharply, making it particularly effective against right-handed hitters and establishing him as one of the most reliable pitchers of his era.
6. Mario Soto: El Divino
Soto’s changeup earned the nickname “El Divino” for its almost supernatural movement. The pitch was so effective that hitters would often swing at balls that ended up in the dirt, making him one of the most feared pitchers of the 1980s despite playing for mediocre Reds teams.
7. Fernando Valenzuela: Beyond the Screwball
While famous for his screwball, Valenzuela’s traditional changeup was equally effective. His ability to throw it from multiple arm angles created different movement patterns that kept hitters guessing and helped fuel the phenomenon known as “Fernandomania.”
8. Stephen Strasburg: The Power Change
Strasburg’s changeup was unique for its velocity, reaching 88-90 mph while still providing effective speed differential from his high-90s fastball. The pitch featured exceptional arm-side run and sink, making it particularly devastating against left-handed hitters.
9. Frank Viola: Sweet Music’s Symphony
“Sweet Music” Viola’s changeup became his signature pitch during his 1988 Cy Young season. His ability to throw it in any count and its late downward movement made it particularly effective with runners on base, helping him win 176 games over his career.
10. Felix Hernandez: The Royal Changeup
“King Felix” mastered the rare “Vulcan changeup” with its distinctive grip. The pitch would appear to be a fastball before dropping dramatically, often leaving hitters completely fooled. This devastating pitch was crucial to his perfect game in 2012 and his overall dominance during his peak years.
11. Anibal Sanchez: The Butterfly Effect
Sanchez’s “butterfly” changeup featured unique movement that made it exceptionally difficult to hit even when batters knew it was coming. The pitch would float toward the plate before diving late, helping him maintain effectiveness even as his velocity declined in his later years.