In 2023, Andrew Abbott, a rookie starting pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, learned firsthand the physical demands of a full season in the big leagues. After pitching 163 1/3 innings, surpassing his previous high of 118 innings in the minors, Abbott realized that pitching is a whole-body endeavor.

Last season, Abbott made an impressive ascent from Double-A Chattanooga to Triple-A Louisville and finally to Cincinnati, showcasing his talent with a 6-2 record and a remarkable 1.90 ERA over his first 10 starts. He even set a club record by starting his major league career with 17 2/3 scoreless innings. One notable performance came on July 2 against the Padres when Abbott struck out 12 batters during a 7 2/3-inning no-decision, ultimately won by the Reds.

Abbott’s strong outings played a crucial role in keeping the Reds in playoff contention despite the injuries to Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Graham Ashcraft. However, as the season wore on, fatigue started to take its toll. His last 11 starts were not as sharp, resulting in a 6.42 ERA. While he had delivered at least six innings in eight of his first 10 starts, he managed only one such outing in the final 11.

Throughout the season, Abbott never made excuses for his performance and maintained the same attitude during the offseason. However, he gained valuable perspective from the experience. Although his arm felt fine, he acknowledged that his body might not have been giving him its full potential. This realization had an impact on him, prompting him to focus on strength and conditioning, particularly his legs, during the offseason. To achieve consistent stamina from March to potentially November, Abbott relocated to McKinley, Texas, where he planned to train at a fitness and performance facility co-owned by his teammate, Tejay Antone.

Abbott’s primary goal is longevity. He aims to throw even more innings in the upcoming season and maintain stability throughout. He wants to avoid a dramatic drop-off in performance and establish a solid foundation of 160-plus innings. His offseason regimen includes refining his pitch arsenal and enhancing his command and control. He seeks to optimize the behavior of his slider and curveball, ensuring they consistently meet his expectations. Abbott is determined to make incremental improvements, striving for sharper pitches and reducing the occasional mistakes that can lead to home runs.

As hitters now have a better understanding of his abilities, Abbott recognizes the need to stay one step ahead. He intends to refine his command, pitch shape, and overall pitchability to maintain an edge over opposing batters. By focusing on precision and consistency, Abbott aims to elevate his performance by 15 percent, ensuring his pitches remain effective throughout the entirety of the season.