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Dylan Cole's Velocity Surge Could Shake Up NL West

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, March 17th 2026 at 6:46 GMT by Sporting News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Phoenix, AZ - March 17, 2026 - Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Dylan Cole is rapidly becoming the talk of spring training, not for a return to form, but for a dramatic transformation in velocity. After a career defined by inconsistency and a knack for inducing weak contact, Cole appears to have unlocked a new level to his fastball, and the Arizona Diamondbacks believe it could be a game-changer, particularly when facing his old team.

For years, Cole was a reliable, if unremarkable, bullpen piece for the Dodgers. He wasn't overpowering, relying instead on movement and pitch location to get outs. His average fastball hovered around the low 90s, making him a serviceable middle reliever but rarely a dominant force. However, that has changed dramatically this spring. According to data from Baseball Info Solutions, Cole's average fastball velocity has skyrocketed to 96.2 mph. This represents a substantial 3.7 mph increase from his 2022 average of 92.5 mph - a jump rarely seen in established pitchers, and one that has caught the attention of both opposing scouts and Diamondbacks management.

"It's been exciting to watch," said Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo. "Dylan has been working tirelessly this offseason, and it's clearly paying off. He's not just throwing harder, he's commanding the ball well, and that's the key. He understands their hitters, he knows what they're looking for. He's going to come at them with a fastball they haven't seen in a long time."

What's driving this sudden surge in velocity? Experts speculate several factors might be at play. A refined offseason conditioning program focused on explosive power, coupled with potential mechanical adjustments to his delivery, could be contributing. Some analysts also suggest a late-blooming physiological change - a rare instance of a pitcher adding velocity later in their career. Whatever the reason, the results are undeniable.

Why This Matters for the NL West

The Diamondbacks, already a competitive team in a fiercely contested NL West, are hoping this represents a significant upgrade to their bullpen. The division, featuring the Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and San Diego Padres, is consistently ranked among the toughest in baseball. Adding a high-velocity arm like Cole, even in a relief role, provides a valuable weapon, especially in late-game situations. A pitcher who can consistently hit the mid-90s changes the complexion of any matchup.

However, the implications extend beyond simply adding depth. Cole's intimate knowledge of the Dodgers' lineup could prove invaluable. Having spent five seasons in Los Angeles, he's familiar with the tendencies and weaknesses of many of their key hitters. Pairing that institutional knowledge with a fastball they haven't previously faced presents a unique challenge for the Dodgers. Think about Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy - hitters who pride themselves on timing and reading pitches. A noticeably faster fastball disrupts that timing and forces them to recalibrate.

Recent headlines paint a picture of a highly competitive NL West. Shohei Ohtani's massive contract with the Dodgers has only heightened expectations in Los Angeles (see [ Shohei Ohtani contract explained ]). The San Francisco Giants have also emerged as a serious contender, recently surging in the power rankings after a strong series against the Dodgers ([ MLB power rankings ]). Mookie Betts' hot start signals the Dodgers' intent to compete for another championship ([ Mookie Betts' historic start ]).

The Diamondbacks need every advantage they can get to navigate this challenging landscape, and Cole's newfound velocity could be just that. While spring training numbers should always be viewed with caution, the magnitude of this increase is too significant to ignore. If Cole can sustain this level of performance when the regular season begins, he won't just be a feel-good story; he'll be a legitimate weapon in the Diamondbacks' arsenal, and a potential thorn in the side of his former team.