Jack Leiter, the promising right-handed pitcher for the Texas Rangers, has seen noticeable improvement in his performance on the mound, and it’s clear that his success goes beyond just physical or mechanical changes. While adjustments to his pitching mechanics have certainly played a part, it’s the mental aspects of his game that have truly been key to his progress.

Leiter, once a highly-touted prospect, faced significant challenges early in his career, struggling with consistency and control. However, recent performances have shown a marked difference, with Leiter demonstrating more composure, confidence, and poise—qualities that go beyond the technical side of pitching.

On the mechanical side, Leiter has worked on fine-tuning his delivery, making adjustments to his arm slot and pitching rhythm, which have helped improve his command and reduce his walk rate.

These adjustments have allowed him to throw strikes more consistently, which in turn has helped him stay ahead in counts and avoid costly mistakes. But while mechanics are important, they are only part of the equation.

The mental side of Leiter’s game has been just as significant. As with many young pitchers, confidence can be a game-changer, and Leiter has found a way to trust his stuff and stay focused under pressure.

One of the biggest mental hurdles he’s overcome is the ability to block out distractions and not get discouraged after a bad inning or a hard-hit ball. This mental resilience has allowed him to maintain his composure and stay in control of the game, even when things aren’t going perfectly.