Q&A with New D-backs Pitching Coach Brian Kaplan and Manager Torey Lovullo
November 2024
Phoenix, AZ , The Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2024 season saw plenty of highs and lows, but the team is already looking ahead to 2025 with a revamped coaching staff. One of the biggest changes this offseason has been the hiring of Brian Kaplan as the club’s new pitching coach. Kaplan comes to the D-backs after spending several years as a pitching strategist with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he helped to refine pitching development systems and enhance performance metrics.
We sat down with Kaplan and D-backs manager Torey Lovullo for an exclusive Q&A to discuss the future of the pitching staff, Kaplan’s philosophy, and what fans can expect as the team moves into the next phase of their rebuilding process.
Q: Torey, this is a big change for the organization with Brian coming on board as the new pitching coach. What was it about him that made him the right fit for the job?
Torey Lovullo:
“I’ve known Brian for a few years, and I’ve had a lot of conversations with him about pitching and the game itself. What stands out most about him is his ability to blend modern pitching analytics with traditional, hands-on coaching. He’s a great communicator, and he’s someone who can work with a wide range of pitchers — from veterans to young guys — and find ways to make them better. We’ve got a strong young pitching core, and I think Brian’s experience will help these guys reach their full potential. It’s not just about throwing harder or more pitches; it’s about maximizing what they already have.”
Q: Brian, can you walk us through your approach to pitching coaching? What can fans expect to see from the pitchers under your guidance?
Brian Kaplan:
“First of all, thanks for the warm welcome. I’m really excited to be here. My approach is grounded in data, but it’s also very much about the human side of the game. Pitching is such a mental and physical challenge, and it’s my job to help each pitcher tap into their strengths. I like to take a tailored approach — there’s no one-size-fits-all formula. We’ll certainly be using a lot of data, but it’s more about understanding how each pitcher thinks, how they approach their craft, and how we can fine-tune their routines to make them better.”
Q: Brian, you’ve had a lot of success in Milwaukee with their pitching staff. How will your experience there shape what you do with the D-backs?
Brian Kaplan:
“Milwaukee was a great experience. I worked closely with a talented group of pitchers, and I think we did a good job of blending traditional pitching mechanics with cutting-edge technology. What I learned there is that pitchers need to feel empowered to make adjustments but also need a solid framework of trust with their coaches. The key is to make data actionable. With the D-backs, we’ll be leaning heavily on video analysis, spin rate, and other metrics, but we’ll also focus on building confidence in our pitchers. The goal is to improve their stuff, but also make sure they know how to attack hitters with what they do best.”
Q: Torey, how do you see Brian’s role fitting into the overall development of this team, especially with the young arms we have in the system?
Torey Lovullo:
“That’s where Brian’s experience with younger pitchers is invaluable. He’s spent time with guys who are trying to figure out their identity at the major league level, and that’s exactly what we have with a lot of our young arms. We’ve got guys like [Merrill] Kelly, [Zac] Gallen, and [Brandon] Pfaadt who have shown flashes of brilliance, and then we’ve got some even younger guys who are on the cusp of breaking through. The foundation is there, but it’s about developing the mental side of the game. Brian’s approach is very much about helping guys believe in themselves and then equipping them with the tools to execute.”
Q: Brian, can you talk about any particular pitching philosophy or trends that you are excited to implement here? Is there something specific you want to emphasize with the D-backs staff?
Brian Kaplan:
“One thing that I’m passionate about is pitch sequencing and how pitchers can use that to keep hitters off-balance. I think there’s still a lot of untapped potential when it comes to mixing pitches in a way that maximizes a pitcher’s effectiveness. Also, we’ll be focusing a lot on command and control. A lot of pitchers can throw hard or get strikeouts, but if they can’t consistently throw the ball where they want to, it doesn’t matter. Command is king. And finally, I’m really big on developing the changeup, especially for our younger pitchers. It’s one of those pitches that can be a game-changer if used correctly, and I’m excited to see how we can develop it across the staff.”
Q: Torey, you’ve always been a manager who emphasizes the mental side of the game. How do you see Brian helping with that aspect for your pitchers?
Torey Lovullo:
“I think Brian and I are very aligned in that way. We talk about the mental side of the game a lot, and I believe it’s just as important as the physical side. Pitching is an incredibly challenging mental grind, and you need the right mindset to be successful. Brian has a great understanding of how to keep guys confident, especially after a bad outing or a tough stretch. He’s very proactive in his approach to building mental resilience, which I think will be huge for our pitchers. He’ll help them stay focused on what they can control and keep them from getting too caught up in the things that they can’t.”
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you expect in 2025? How will Brian’s approach help overcome those challenges?
Torey Lovullo:
“One of the biggest challenges is going to be consistency. We’ve seen what our pitchers are capable of, but they need to learn how to do it over the course of a full season. That’s where Brian’s ability to adjust and tailor his coaching to the individual really comes into play. I think he’ll help our pitchers stay sharp throughout the year. Plus, we have a lot of young arms who need to develop their routines and stay healthy. We’ve been working on keeping our pitchers strong physically, and Brian’s focus on routine and recovery will be a big part of that.”
Q: Brian, what excites you the most about the pitching staff you’re inheriting here in Arizona?
Brian Kaplan:
“I’m excited about the sheer talent we have on the roster. Gallen, Kelly, and [Drey] Jameson are all established guys, and then we’ve got some really exciting young arms that I’m eager to work with. We’ve got a good mix of guys who can generate strikeouts and pitchers who can command the zone. What excites me the most is the potential. There’s so much room for growth, and I can’t wait to start working with these guys and helping them get to the next level.”
Q: Finally, Torey, what’s your vision for the team in 2025, and how important is pitching in realizing that vision?
Torey Lovullo:
“Pitching is everything in this game. You can have great hitters, but if you don’t have a solid pitching staff, it’s going to be a long season. We have a young, talented team, and we’ve seen the potential in our pitchers. With Brian on board, I feel like we’re going to have the kind of coaching and structure in place to unlock that potential. We’re building something special here, and pitching will absolutely be the backbone of our success.”
The Diamondbacks’ commitment to improving their pitching staff is clear, and with Brian Kaplan at the helm, the team is poised for an exciting future. As the 2025 season approaches, fans can expect a renewed focus on both individual and collective development — one that could help push the D-backs into playoff contention for years to come.
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