In the realm of baseball projections, the ZiPS system offers a fascinating glimpse into the future, but it's also a reminder that things can change dramatically over time. Let's dive into the 2026 ZiPS Movers and Shakers, focusing on pitchers, and explore the intriguing dynamics of who's rising and who's falling in the algorithms' eyes. But here's where it gets controversial... The ZiPS projections are not static; they evolve, and this evolution can reveal interesting insights about player development and aging. Knowing how changes in a player's performance affect these models can provide a unique perspective on the game. After analyzing the hitters in my previous piece, I now turn my attention to the pitchers who have seen the most significant shifts in their projected performance. The methodology is straightforward: I rank the difference in 2026 WAR as projected now compared to Opening Day 2025. For decliners, I've excluded players who were already off the radar, focusing instead on those with roster relevance. It's important to note that there will be slight variations between ZiPS WAR and the WAR recorded on FanGraphs due to methodological differences. Now, let's explore the gainers, starting with a few standout pitchers who are projected to see significant improvements in 2026.
