Why Slade Cecconi Struggles to Reclaim His Form with the Diamondbacks

A Rocky Start to 2024

Slade Cecconi’s 2024 season has been challenging as he grapples with inconsistent form on the mound. After beginning the year with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cecconi has been reassigned to AAA-Reno four times, recently ceding his bullpen spot to Yilber Diaz. Initially viewed as a promising addition to the rotation—especially after Merrill Kelly was sidelined for four months—Cecconi’s early performance couldn’t hold steady, leading to a disappointing run over 12 starts with only two quality outings.

Unpacking the Stats

From May 3 to July 10, Cecconi posted a concerning 6.61 ERA, allowing opponents a .305 batting average and a home run rate of 1.47 HR/9. His 18% strikeout rate further highlights his difficulty in overpowering batters. While he has shown some improvement in pitch selection, control remains a significant issue. With 30.3% of his pitches landing in the center of the strike zone—placing him in the top 10% of the league—opponents are capitalizing on this tendency.

Path to Improvement

Cecconi has shown glimpses of progress during his recent AAA-Reno outings, but refinement is still needed for a full MLB comeback. To succeed, he must focus on improving his pitch control, reducing his tendency to leave balls over the plate, and effectively executing his pitches. With the Diamondbacks eyeing a playoff run, Cecconi may benefit from additional time in AAA to hone his skills for future major league opportunities.