Hubbry Logo
Patrick CorbinPatrick CorbinMain
Open search
Patrick Corbin
Community hub
Patrick Corbin
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Patrick Corbin
Patrick Corbin
Patrick Corbin
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Patrick Alan Corbin (born July 19, 1989) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Washington Nationals and Texas Rangers. He won the 2019 World Series with the Nationals, recording the win in Game 7.

Key Information

At Cicero – North Syracuse High School, Corbin did not pitch for his high school's baseball team until his junior season. He played college baseball at Mohawk Valley Community College and Chipola College. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim chose Corbin in the second round of the 2009 MLB draft, and traded him to the Diamondbacks in 2010 as part of a package for Dan Haren.

Corbin made his MLB debut with the Diamondbacks in 2012 and was named an All-Star in 2013. He missed the 2014 season due to an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow. Corbin returned to the Diamondbacks in 2015, but struggled and was removed from the starting rotation in 2016. After returning to the rotation in 2017, he started for the Diamondbacks on Opening Day in 2018. Corbin was named an All-Star for the second time in his career in 2018 before joining the Washington Nationals for the 2019 season.

Early life

[edit]

Patrick Alan Corbin was born on July 19, 1989, in Clay, New York. His father, Dan Sr., worked as a driver for a sausage company, while his mother, Patty, works as a nurse at a rehabilitation center for the elderly.[1]

Corbin's father built a basketball court in his backyard for his children. As a child, Corbin identified basketball as his favorite sport. He played Pop Warner football, basketball in the Catholic Youth Organization, and Little League baseball. For baseball, Corbin was a fan of the New York Yankees.[1]

Corbin attended Cicero–North Syracuse High School (C-NS) in Cicero, New York.[2][3] His father suggested that he sign up for the school's baseball team during his freshman year, but Corbin declined, preferring to play with his friends.[1] However, he did play for the basketball and football teams. His friends on the basketball team convinced him to try out for the baseball team in his junior year, and with little training, he was able to throw over 80 miles per hour (130 km/h).[1]

In 2007, his senior season at C-NS, Corbin had an 8–0 win–loss record, allowing only 33 hits and 16 runs while striking out 76 batters in 47 innings pitched. C-NS became the top-ranked team in the state of New York, and Corbin was named to the All-League team and first team All-Central New York.[4][5] He graduated from C-NS with a record of 14–0 and 139 strikeouts.[4]

For the C-NS basketball team, Corbin broke the school's record for most three-point field goals in a single game. He was named to the All Section Basketball team after completing his senior season.

College career

[edit]

Corbin's grades at C-NS were not good enough for him to enroll at a four-year college that would allow him to play college baseball. As a result, Corbin enrolled at Mohawk Valley Community College, a community college in Utica, New York, for his freshman year. At Mohawk, Corbin played baseball and basketball.[1][5] Scouts from two teams attempted to sign Corbin as an undrafted free agent for a $75,000 signing bonus. Though Corbin's father wanted his son to sign, Corbin's coach suggested they wait another season.[1] After the season, he joined a travel baseball team, where scouts took notice of Corbin after recording his fastball above 90 miles per hour (140 km/h).[5] In a tournament in Georgia, Corbin opposed a team led by Zack Wheeler. Corbin allowed only one hit in a shutout.[1]

Corbin transferred to Chipola College in Marianna, Florida, also a junior college, for his sophomore year, so he could play baseball throughout the year in the warmer weather.[6] At Chipola, Corbin stopped playing basketball, focusing exclusively on baseball. While training, Corbin added 15 to 20 pounds (6.8 to 9.1 kg).[6] Competing for the Chipola Indians, who play in the Panhandle Conference of the Florida State College Activities Association (FSCAA), a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 8, Corbin pitched to a 5–2 record with a 4.32 earned run average (ERA) and 86 strikeouts in 74+1⁄3 innings pitched.[6][7] He was named to the Panhandle Conference's All-Conference first team, and was voted the league's fourth-best player.[7][8] Chipola reached the FJCAA/NJCAA Gulf District Tournament, but lost to Santa Fe College in the championship game. Corbin had a 1–0 record and a 2.77 ERA in 13 innings pitched during the tournament, resulting in his being named to the All-Tournament team.[9]

Following the 2009 season, Corbin signed a letter of intent with the University of Southern Mississippi.[6] He planned to transfer to Southern Miss in order to continue his college baseball career with the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I.[10][11]

Professional career

[edit]

Draft and minor leagues

[edit]

Scouts from every Major League Baseball (MLB) team evaluated Corbin prior to the 2009 MLB draft, including Tom Kotchman of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, a friend of Chipola's head coach.[6] With Kotchman's recommendation, the Angels drafted Corbin in the second round of the draft, with the 80th overall selection.[11] He was the first junior college player selected in the draft.[12] On the day of the draft, Corbin played basketball with his roommate.[1]

Corbin signed with the Angels, receiving a $450,000 signing bonus, forgoing his commitment to Southern Miss.[1][13] Corbin pitched for the Orem Owlz of the Rookie-level Pioneer League in 2009, where Kotchman served as his manager.[14] Corbin struggled in his first professional experience. In his first six appearances, five of them starts, he allowed 23 hits and 12 earned runs in 17+1⁄3 innings, giving him a 6.23 ERA.[15] Corbin later related that he attempted to strike out too many batters while pitching for Orem.[5]

Baseball America ranked Corbin the Angels' 12th best prospect prior to the 2010 season, projecting him as a mid-rotation starting pitcher.[16] Corbin altered his approach, as he sought to pitch to contact.[6] He began the 2010 season with the Cedar Rapids Kernels of the Class A Midwest League. Corbin had an 8–0 record and 3.86 ERA, allowing 25 earned runs in 58+1⁄3 innings in nine starts for Cedar Rapids.[17] He struck out 70 batters while allowing 78 hits and 20 walks.[5] During the season, the Angels promoted Corbin to the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of the Class A-Advanced California League. With Rancho Cucamonga, Corbin had a 5–3 record and 3.88 ERA, allowing 26 earned runs in 60+1⁄3 innings in 11 starts.[17] Combined, Corbin had a 3.87 ERA, 106 strikeouts, and 28 walks in 118+2⁄3 innings pitched with Cedar Rapids and Rancho Cucamonga.[16]

At the trade deadline, Corbin was traded to the Diamondbacks with pitchers Joe Saunders, Rafael Rodríguez, and Tyler Skaggs for Dan Haren.[11][18] The Diamondbacks assigned Corbin to the Visalia Rawhide of the California League.[19] Corbin pitched to a 1.38 ERA in 26 innings with Visalia.[20] In 2011, while pitching for the Double-A Mobile Bay Bears, he set a franchise record with 27+1⁄3 consecutive scoreless innings.[21] He finished the season with a 9–8 win–loss record and 142 strikeouts in 160+1⁄3 innings pitched.[3] His strikeout total led the Southern League, and Mobile won the league championship.[22]

The Diamondbacks invited Corbin to spring training in 2012, where he pitched to a 0.57 earned run average.[23][24] Corbin began the 2012 season with Mobile,[3] pitching to a 2–0 record and 1.67 ERA in four starts.[25]

Arizona Diamondbacks (2012–2018)

[edit]

2012: Major league debut

[edit]
Corbin pitching for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2013

On April 30, 2012, the Diamondbacks promoted Corbin to the major leagues to start in place of Josh Collmenter, who was moved to the bullpen. Joe Martinez was optioned to the Reno Aces of the Class AAA Pacific Coast League to make room for Corbin on the roster.[26] Corbin allowed three runs in 5+2⁄3 innings in his MLB debut against the Miami Marlins, picking up the win. Corbin also had two sacrifice bunts and scored a run in the victory.[3] After pitching to a 2–3 record and a 5.27 ERA in five starts, the Diamondbacks optioned Corbin to Reno on May 22, as Daniel Hudson was set to return to the Diamondbacks from the disabled list. Hudson suffered an elbow injury in June, and the Diamondbacks recalled Corbin as a long reliever.[27] The Diamondbacks again optioned Corbin to Reno in July so that he could continue to work as a starting pitcher when they activated Saunders off of the disabled list.[28] The Diamondbacks recalled Corbin on August 1, displacing Josh Collmenter in the rotation.[29] In 107 innings with the Diamondbacks, Corbin pitched to a 6–8 record and 4.54 ERA.[30][31]

2013: All Star

[edit]

During the 2012–13 offseason, Corbin gained 10 pounds (4.5 kg) and added 2 miles per hour (3.2 km/h) to his fastball.[1] Corbin made the Diamondbacks' Opening Day starting rotation in 2013.[30] He won the National League (NL) Pitcher of the Month Award for May 2013, after he pitched to a 5–0 record and 1.53 ERA in five games started.[32] Corbin was named an All-Star, as he had an 11–1 record with a 2.35 ERA, which was the third best in the NL at the All-Star break.[33][34] Corbin was the eighth youngest player named an All-Star.[1] In the 2013 MLB All-Star Game, Corbin received the loss after allowing the game's first run in the fourth inning.[35] He finished the season with a 3.41 ERA.[36]

2014–16: injuries and struggles

[edit]

During spring training in 2014, Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson decided that Corbin would start on Opening Day.[37] However, Corbin felt arm tightness during a spring training start. An MRI revealed damage to his ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow.[36][38] He underwent Tommy John surgery, and missed the entire 2014 season.[38] The Diamondbacks placed Corbin on the 15-day disabled list on March 30, and transferred him to the 60-day disabled list on April 4, in order to open a roster spot for Roger Kieschnick, who they claimed off waivers.[39]

Corbin in 2016

Corbin returned to the Diamondbacks on July 4, 2015.[40] He made 16 starts for the Diamondbacks, pitching to a 6–5 record and a 3.60 ERA.[41] Eligible for salary arbitration for the first time, Corbin and the Diamondbacks agreed to a $2.525 million salary for the 2016 season.[42]

In 2016, Corbin pitched to a 4–12 record and a 5.58 ERA in 24 starts through mid-August, with a 7.68 ERA over his last nine starts. The Diamondbacks then demoted Corbin to work as a relief pitcher.[43] He had a 2.70 ERA in 23+1⁄3 innings as a relief pitcher, including 13 consecutive innings without allowing a run to end the year.[44]

2017–2018: rotation regular

[edit]

In 2017, Corbin and the Diamondbacks agreed to a $3.95 million salary.[45] Corbin returned to the starting rotation.[46] He finished the 2017 season with a 4.03 ERA in 189+2⁄3 innings pitched; his ERA during the final three months of the season was 2.90.[47][48] Though the Diamondbacks made it to the 2017 National League Division Series, Corbin did not appear.[47] Torey Lovullo, the team's manager, had decided Corbin would start Game 4,[49] but the Diamondbacks were eliminated after Game 3.[47]

Corbin and the Diamondbacks agreed to a $7.5 million salary for 2018.[50] Corbin started for the Diamondbacks on Opening Day in 2018.[51] On April 17, against the San Francisco Giants, he threw 7+2⁄3 no-hit innings in a complete game shutout.[52] He made the 2018 Major League Baseball All-Star Game,[53] after pitching to a 6–3 record and a 3.05 ERA with 140 strikeouts in 112 innings.[54]

Corbin finished the season 11–7 in 200 innings pitched across 33 starts. He had a 3.15 ERA and 246 strikeouts, which were both career bests. Corbin had the lowest zone percentage of all major league pitchers, with only 34.4% of his pitches being in the strike zone.[55] He became a free agent after the season.[56]

Washington Nationals (2019–2024)

[edit]

2019: World Series winner

[edit]

On December 7, 2018, the Washington Nationals announced a six-year deal with Corbin worth $140 million.[57][58]

On July 2, 2019, Corbin chose to wear number 45 in his start against the Miami Marlins to honor Tyler Skaggs, who died the day before. In 2019, he was 14–7 with a 3.25 ERA (8th in the NL) in 33 starts, in which he struck out 238 batters in 202 innings.[59]

In the 2019 postseason, the Nationals used Corbin as both a starter and a reliever. He started Game 1 of the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers and pitched six innings, surrendering only one earned run, but recording the loss since the Nationals did not score. In Game 3, he started three games and entered from the bullpen in five. In Game 3, he came in for relief for the first time, but was rocked for six runs, recording only two outs. In the deciding Game 5, he finished the seventh inning and pitched the eighth, allowing zero runs and zero hits.[60] In Game 2 of the NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals, he pitched to one batter in the ninth inning. He started NLCS Game 4, recording the win in the Nationals' pennant-clinching victory.[61]

In the 2019 World Series against the Houston Astros, Corbin relieved Max Scherzer in Game 1, pitching a scoreless sixth inning. Starting Game 4, he took the loss after giving up 4 runs over 6 innings. In Game 7, Corbin pitched the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings, allowing no runs and just two hits. He was the winning pitcher, leading to the Nationals' first championship in franchise history.[62] Corbin's 13.886 strikeouts per nine innings pitched in the 2019 playoffs was the third highest by a pitcher in a single MLB postseason.[63] Corbin won the 2019 Warren Spahn Award.

2020–2024: struggles

[edit]

In 2020, Corbin was 2–7 with a 4.66 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 65+2⁄3 innings pitched across 11 starts.[59] He led the NL in hits allowed (85) and had the highest WHIP of all NL-qualified pitchers (1.569).[64][65]

In 2021, Corbin had what was up to that point the worst season of his career. His ERA of 5.82 was the worst among qualified pitchers, and he led the National League in home runs allowed (37) and the majors in losses (16), earned runs allowed (111), and OPS against (.855). He gave up the most home runs per 9 innings pitched of all major leaguers, at 1.94.[66]

Corbin with the Nationals in 2022

In 2022, Corbin's 6.31 ERA was the worst among major league starting pitchers. With his 6–19 record, he led the NL in losses, while giving up a major-league-leading 210 hits in 152+2⁄3 innings, a major league batting average against of .321, a major league slugging percentage against of .513, and gave up the highest percentage of hard-hit balls (39.9%).[67]

In 2023, despite reaching 10 wins for the first time since 2019, Corbin led the NL in losses once again, pitching to a 10–15 record. Corbin finished the season with a slightly better ERA of 5.20, 124 strikeouts, and a batting average against of .293 over 180 innings pitched.[68][69]

On August 22, 2024, Corbin recorded his 100th career win after pitching six innings and allowing just one run in a start against the Colorado Rockies.[70] He made 32 starts for Washington during the campaign, compiling a 6-13 record and 5.62 ERA with 139 strikeouts across 174+2⁄3 innings pitched.[71]

Despite several years of struggles after the 2019 championship, Nationals players and executives held Corbin in high regard at the end of his tenure with the team, crediting his heroics during the World Series and durability during the subsequent years.[72]

Texas Rangers (2025–present)

[edit]

On March 18, 2025, Corbin signed a one-year contract with the Texas Rangers.[73][74] The contract has a guaranteed value of $1.1 million, and its value increases based on the number of appearances and innings pitched.[75] Corbin was optioned to the Triple-A Round Rock Express on March 25, in order to build up stamina after missing the majority of spring training.[76] On April 4, Texas recalled Corbin after Jack Leiter was placed on the injured list.[77]

Scouting report

[edit]

Corbin is listed at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) and 210 pounds (95 kg).[6] His pitching repertoire contains a fastball of the four-seam and sinking variety that both average 92 miles per hour (148 km/h), occasionally topping out at 95 miles an hour.[1] His secondary pitches include a changeup, which he throws between 81 miles per hour (130 km/h) and 82 miles per hour (132 km/h) and a slider, which he throws between 78 miles per hour (126 km/h) and 79 miles per hour (127 km/h), and considered his best pitch coming out of college.[6][78] He added a cutter during the 2024 season in an attempt to counteract his struggles against righties.[79]

Corbin improved his changeup after pitching in Instructional League during the 2009–10 offseason, which led Corbin to consider it a better pitch than his slider.[5] However, Todd Helton, after striking out twice against Corbin early in the 2013 season, dubbed Corbin's slider "the best I've ever seen."[80] In 2011, he developed a knuckle curve, which he believes contributed to his consecutive scoreless innings streak. His usage of this pitch declined throughout his career until he began to throw it again during the 2024 season to offset hitters’ timing.[78][79]

Personal life

[edit]

Former Diamondbacks teammate Paul Goldschmidt described Corbin as "humble" about his success. With his signing bonus, Corbin bought a used car instead of a new one. He lived in his parents' basement during the 2012–13 winter and officiated youth basketball games during the offseason.[1]

Corbin met his wife, Jen, when they were high school classmates.[1] They married in November 2018.[81] They live in Phoenix, Arizona, during the offseason.[82] The couple has two sons.[83]

Corbin was friends with former teammate Tyler Skaggs, who died on July 1, 2019. They played rookie ball together as well as Class AA baseball.[84] Skaggs was a groomsman in Corbin's wedding.[85] On July 2, Corbin honored Skaggs by wearing 45 for a game against the Miami Marlins.[86]

Corbin endorsed Donald Trump in the 2020 United States presidential election by tweeting a picture of the two of them on a golf course captioned "#Vote #Trump2020."[87]

During his time with the Nationals, Corbin and his wife made a six-figure contribution to the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy.[72]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Patrick Corbin

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Patrick Alan Corbin (born July 19, 1989) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers of (MLB). Drafted by the in the second round of the 2009 MLB Draft and later traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks, Corbin debuted in the majors on April 30, 2012. He earned selections in 2013 and 2018, highlighted by a 14-win season with a 3.41 in 2013. In December 2018, Corbin signed a six-year, $140 million contract with the , where he played a key role in their championship, securing the win in Game 7 after pitching three scoreless innings in relief. However, his performance deteriorated significantly thereafter, with elevated ERAs exceeding 5.00 in multiple seasons and accumulating 63 losses since 2021—more than any other pitcher—amid struggles with command and increased hard contact allowed.

Early life and amateur career

Early life

Patrick Alan Corbin was born on July 19, 1989, in , a suburb north of Syracuse in Onondaga County. He grew up in a working-class household, with his father, Dan Corbin Sr., employed as a for a local sausage company and his mother, Patricia "Patty" Corbin, working as a . Corbin's early years in involved a modest environment centered on ties, where emerged as a recreational pursuit through informal backyard games with siblings and neighbors. His father, a left-handed thrower himself, identified Corbin's natural left-handed tendencies early and introduced him to basic pitching mechanics, including the development of a grip, fostering an initial affinity for the position before structured youth involvement. This home-based exposure laid the groundwork for his interest in throwing, distinct from more formal leagues.

High school career

Corbin attended in , New York, participating in both and . He did not pitch for the varsity team until his junior year, initially focusing on other aspects of the game. Over his junior and senior seasons, Corbin compiled an undefeated 14–0 pitching record, with detailed scorecards maintained by assistant coach Jim Ilardi confirming his dominance in starts. His reached velocities up to 80 mph, contributing to his effectiveness on the and drawing early scouting interest from college programs, though academic grades limited Division I options and steered him toward pathways.

College and junior college career

Corbin enrolled at Mohawk Valley Community College in , following high school, participating in both and programs during his freshman year. He transferred to Chipola College in , for the 2009 season, a prominent program known for producing professional talent, to concentrate fully on development. There, Corbin exhibited marked progress in his pitching, including enhanced command and projectability from his 6-foot-3 frame, positioning him as Florida's premier pitching prospect.

Professional career

Draft, minors, and (2009–2011)

The selected Corbin in the second round (80th overall) of the out of Chipola College in . The Angels signed him shortly thereafter, assigning him to their rookie-level affiliate, the Orem Owlz of the Pioneer League. In 12 appearances (all starts), Corbin posted a 4–2 record with a 5.05 over 46+1⁄3 innings, recording 46 strikeouts against 11 walks, demonstrating early command potential despite the elevated in his professional debut. Promoted to full-season ball in 2010, Corbin began the year with the Class A of the , where he excelled with an 8–0 record, 3.86 , and 42 strikeouts in 58+1⁄3 innings across 11 starts, issuing just 10 walks and underscoring his control. He advanced to the High Class A of the midseason, compiling a 5–3 mark with a 3.88 in 60+1⁄3 innings over 12 starts, striking out 64 while walking 18. Scouts noted his projectability as a left-handed starter, citing solid stuff, command, and competitiveness as factors that impressed the organization during the draft process. Corbin received brief exposure to major league spring training camps with the Angels in 2010 and 2011 but did not appear in a major league game during his time in the organization. On July 25, 2010, the Angels traded him, along with pitchers Joe Saunders, Tyler Skaggs, and Rafael Rodríguez, to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for right-hander Dan Haren. Corbin made no further appearances in the Angels' minor league system after the trade.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Debut and All-Star breakthrough (2012–2013)

Patrick Corbin made his debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 30, 2012, starting against the at Marlins Park. In that game, he pitched 5⅔ innings, surrendering three earned runs while escaping a bases-loaded situation in the first inning, contributing to a 9–5 victory and earning his first career win. Corbin transitioned rapidly into a rotation role, appearing in 22 games with 17 starts that season, compiling a 6–8 record, 4.54 , 1.33 , and 86 strikeouts over 107 . In 2013, Corbin solidified his position as a mainstay in the Diamondbacks' starting rotation, delivering a breakout performance with a 14–8 record, 3.41 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 178 strikeouts across 32 starts and 208⅓ innings. His strikeout rate of approximately 7.7 per nine innings aligned closely with or slightly exceeded the National League average, complemented by strong control that limited walks and supported his low WHIP. This reliable workload and effectiveness led to his selection as a National League All-Star, marking his emergence as a key contributor to the Diamondbacks' pitching staff.

Injuries and performance struggles in Arizona (2014–2016)

In early 2014, Corbin experienced elbow discomfort during spring training, leading to an MRI that revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left elbow. He underwent Tommy John surgery on March 25, 2014, performed by Dr. James Andrews, which required him to miss the entire season as he began a lengthy rehabilitation process. The procedure addressed the partial UCL tear but resulted in significant downtime, with recovery timelines typically spanning 12-18 months for pitchers. Corbin returned to the Arizona Diamondbacks' rotation in 2015, his first full year post-surgery, but displayed lingering effects of the injury, including flattened stuff and reduced . He made 16 starts, posting a 6-5 record with a 3.60 over 85 , allowing 91 hits, 17 walks, and striking out 78 batters. While the ERA appeared respectable, analysts noted command inconsistencies and a dip in compared to his pre-injury peaks around 92 mph, contributing to higher stress and fatigue as the season progressed. Performance deteriorated further in , Corbin's second post-surgery campaign, where incomplete mechanical adjustments and ongoing recovery challenges manifested in elevated run prevention metrics. Across 36 appearances (24 starts), he recorded a 5-13 mark with a 5.15 in 155.2 , surrendering 177 hits and 109 earned runs amid increased walk rates and diminished strikeouts relative to his 2013 form. Pitching coach Mike Butcher attributed much of the struggle to location issues stemming from the first full season back from , with Corbin's averaging closer to 88 mph and sinker movement altered, leading to more hittable pitches. These factors, combined with age-related wear at 26-27, underscored a transitional period marked by elevated ERAs above 4.00 in aggregate and reduced dominance.

Return to rotation with Arizona Diamondbacks (2017–2018)

After spending time in the during parts of 2016 amid performance struggles and injuries, Corbin competed for a starting rotation spot during Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017, ultimately securing the role for . He made 32 starts that season, posting an 11–13 record with a 4.03 over 183+1⁄3 , allowing 192 hits and 82 earned runs while striking out 181 batters and walking 67. This output reflected improved consistency compared to prior years, with Corbin inducing ground balls at a 52.2% rate, which helped limit home runs to 15 despite the pitcher's park factors at . In 2018, Corbin built on this rebound with a career-best campaign, going 11–7 in 33 starts across 200 innings, a 3.15 ERA, 162 hits allowed, and a league-leading 246 strikeouts against just 48 walks, yielding a 1.05 WHIP. His command sharpened notably, with a walk rate dropping to 2.2 per nine innings, and he maintained a ground-ball rate above 50%, complementing a refined slider-heavy mix that generated swings-and-misses efficiently per Statcast data. Velocity on his fastball stabilized around 93 mph, aiding location adjustments that reduced middle-zone pitches from early 2017 levels. These metrics underscored a mechanical and strategic evolution, positioning him as a reliable workhorse and elevating his trade value ahead of free agency, though he did not pitch in the Diamondbacks' brief 2017 postseason appearance.

Washington Nationals: World Series win and big contract (2019)

In December 2018, Corbin signed a six-year contract worth $140 million with the , the largest deal for a left-handed pitcher that offseason and reflecting his rebound performance the prior year. The agreement included a $2.5 million and escalating salaries, positioning him as a cornerstone of the rotation alongside and . During the 2019 regular season, Corbin made 32 starts for the Nationals, compiling a 14–7 record with a 3.25 over 202 innings pitched, the fifth-most in the National League. He recorded 238 strikeouts, ranking fourth in the NL, while limiting opponents to a .227 against and earning consideration in voting. These figures marked a continuation of his solid form from , validating the Nationals' investment despite some concerns over his command and home run vulnerability earlier in his career. In the postseason, Corbin transitioned to a hybrid starter-reliever role amid the Nationals' injury challenges and needs, appearing in eight games across the NLDS, NLCS, and with a 2–3 record and 5.79 over 23 innings. He provided crucial stability, including a scoreless sixth inning in Game 1 and three shutout frames in Game 7 against the Houston Astros on October 27, 2019, helping preserve a lead in the Nationals' 6–2 clincher for their first championship. Earlier, his outings in the NLCS against the Cardinals contributed to Washington's sweep, with Corbin logging key innings to support the rotation's depth in the 4–3 victory over Houston.

Post-peak struggles with Washington Nationals (2020–2024)

Following his standout 2019 season, Corbin's performance with the deteriorated markedly from 2020 to 2024, as evidenced by consistently elevated earned run averages (ERAs) ranging from 4.66 to 6.31, far exceeding league norms for starting pitchers. This regression manifested in diminished rates, with K/9 dropping to between 6.20 and 8.22 annually, alongside poor command reflected in WHIPs of 1.47 to 1.70 and elevated rates (HR/9 of 1.29 to 1.94). Aggregate figures over the period show Corbin posting a 5.62 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, and -2.2 WAR in 137 starts, rendering him one of the least effective starters in the National League by advanced metrics. Multiple seasons featured negative WAR contributions per Baseball-Reference calculations, including -2.3 in 2022 and -0.9 in 2024, underscoring a net drain on team value.
YearW-LERAIPHRBBSOWHIPWAR (bWAR)
20202-74.6665.21018601.571.7
20219-165.82171.237601431.47-1.2
20226-196.31152.227491281.70-2.3
202310-155.20180.033571241.480.3
20246-135.62174.225541391.50-0.9
The 2020 season, abbreviated to 60 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, offered limited innings (65.2) but foreshadowed broader issues, with Corbin allowing 10 home runs and posting a 1.57 WHIP despite a modest 1.37 HR/9. Persistent vulnerabilities emerged in subsequent full seasons, including 37 home runs surrendered in 2021 amid command lapses (60 walks) and hard contact, contributing to a league-leading 16 losses. Analysts attributed part of the decline to degradation in secondary pitches, such as reduced spin rate and velocity on his slider (from ~2300-2400 RPM pre-2019 to 2100-2200 RPM), which diminished swing-and-miss potential and elevated barrel rates. While fastball velocity remained relatively stable at around 91.5 mph for his sinker—comparable to 2019 levels—location inconsistencies and over-reliance on contact management failed to compensate, leading to inflated FIPs (4.17 to 5.41) that aligned closely with ERAs, indicating genuine skill erosion rather than defensive or sequencing luck. Corbin's six-year, $140 million , signed December 4, 2018, amplified scrutiny as output fell short of expectations for an average annual value exceeding $23 million, positioning it as a with no exercised despite underperformance. He led the NL in losses three times (2021-2023) and earned runs allowed multiple years, accruing 33-70 record over the span while the Nationals rotated through rotation options without trading him, effectively treating the deal as dead money by 2024. This phase highlighted causal factors like age-related command regression at 31-35 years old and Nationals Park's hitter-friendly dimensions exacerbating fly-ball tendencies, though comparable pitchers with similar repertoires maintained viability through adjustments Corbin did not fully implement.

Texas Rangers signing and 2025 season

On March 18, 2025, the Texas Rangers signed free agent left-handed pitcher Patrick Corbin to a one-year major league contract valued at $1.1 million, positioning him as a low-cost, innings-eating option for the back end of their rotation amid injuries to starters like Jon Gray. The deal included performance incentives but emphasized durability over upside, reflecting Corbin's recent track record of consistent but unremarkable volume following his release from the Washington Nationals. In the 2025 season, Corbin logged 155.1 innings across 30 starts for the Rangers, compiling a 7–11 record with a 4.40 and 1.36 . He recorded 131 strikeouts against 51 walks, maintaining a K/BB ratio of approximately 2.57 that underscored persistent command issues, though his ability to eat innings—averaging over 5 innings per start—provided stability to a depth chart prone to attrition. Opponents posted a .328 against him, with elevated hard-hit rates (40.4%) and barrel rates (8.4%), exposing vulnerabilities to contact quality that aligned with his career-long decline in and pitch effectiveness. Corbin's role remained that of a reliable fifth starter, contributing to the Rangers' 81–81 finish in the AL West without delivering breakout performances or shutdown outings. His ground-ball tendencies offered some mitigation against home runs in Field's confines, but subpar sequencing and an inability to miss bats limited upside, as evidenced by a 7.6 K/9 rate below league averages for qualified starters. By midseason, reports noted modest mechanical tweaks in ' pitching lab yielding incremental gains in consistency, though these did not fully offset underlying metrics signaling ongoing regression.

Pitching style and scouting report

Repertoire and mechanics

Patrick Corbin, a left-handed , features a core consisting of a sinking fastball, , and , with later additions including a and cutter. His sinking fastball, thrown at velocities typically ranging from 88 to 92 mph, induces downward movement to promote ground balls. The , often his most frequent offering at around 33-40% usage, exhibits lateral break due to his grip and arm action. The complements these, providing velocity separation and fade away from right-handed batters. Corbin's mechanics involve a three-quarters slot delivery, which maintains a consistent release point and contributes to through natural sink and sweep on his pitches. This action emphasizes efficient hip-shoulder separation and extension, facilitating the movement profiles of his arsenal. Over his career, Corbin's pitch mix has evolved from an early emphasis on command and sinker- combinations to greater incorporation of off-speed pitches post-injury periods. Initially relying heavily on the sinking for location, he increased usage and refined his grip for better separation, particularly after 2018. By the early , he introduced a cutter to vary movement, adapting to maintain effectiveness amid velocity fluctuations.

Peak strengths and career evolution

Corbin's 2013 season highlighted his peak durability and command, as he led National League starters with 208.1 innings pitched while issuing only 54 walks for a 2.3 BB/9 rate. This efficiency stemmed from precise control, with a career-low walk percentage of 6.3%, enabling him to sustain deep outings without compromising effectiveness. His ground-ball inducing style, which generated a 49.6% GB% that year, formed the foundation of his early strengths, minimizing vulnerability and supporting a 3.41 backed by a 3.48 FIP. Against left-handed batters, Corbin excelled with a .218 opponent , leveraging his left-handed delivery and sinking to limit hard contact. From to , Corbin evolved into a reliable eater, averaging 195 per season across those years, with consistent sub-3.0 BB/9 rates reflecting sustained command. This phase emphasized workload absorption over dominance, as evidenced by FIP figures around 3.5-4.0 and BABIP-normalized performances, such as his mark of .278, transitioning his ground-ball profile into high-volume reliability.

Criticisms, weaknesses, and decline factors

Corbin has exhibited a persistent to home runs, with his HR/9 rate spiking to 1.94 in 2021 and remaining above 1.5 in multiple seasons post-2019, driven by elevated barrel rates reaching 11.0% in and hard-hit rates consistently over 40%. This weakness stems from inadequate vertical separation in his pitch mix, where secondary offerings like and fail to generate sufficient whiffs or induce weak contact, allowing hitters to elevate sinking fastballs. His has declined steadily, bottoming at 90.4 mph in 2020 before leveling around 91.5 mph through 2025, diminishing command and deception against elevated launch angles prevalent in contemporary hitting approaches. Secondary pitches have compounded this issue, showing poor differentiation from his primary sinker—evidenced by stagnant whiff rates and increased against them—reflecting limited arsenal evolution beyond early-career groundball emphasis. Key decline factors include age-related physical wear, as Corbin entered his mid-30s with reduced arm resilience, alongside incomplete long-term mitigation of 2014 Tommy John surgery effects, which initially allowed a 2015-2018 rebound but failed to prevent subsequent command erosion and injury proneness. Over-reliance on sinker-induced grounders has proven maladaptive in an era of optimized barrel hunting, exacerbating HR susceptibility in non-suppressive environments. Empirical markers underscore underdelivery: fWAR hovered at 0.2-1.9 annually post-2019 despite heavy loads, yielding negative surplus value against his $245 million contract, while x often exceeded actual (e.g., 6.16 vs. 5.20 in 2023), revealing luck-independent talent regression rather than transient variance. High FIP (4.17-5.41) and xFIP (4.12-4.76) further confirm structural inefficiencies over "bounce-back" narratives.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Patrick Corbin married Jen Corbin in November 2018. The couple welcomed their first son, Weston, on May 14, 2021. Their second son, Miles, was born in July 2023, prompting Corbin's placement on the paternity list by the Washington Nationals. The Corbins have supported each other's pursuits, with Jen accompanying Patrick during his transition from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Nationals in late 2018 and later to the Texas Rangers in 2025. Jen has participated in occasional public appearances tied to Patrick's career, including community outreach with Nationals Youth Baseball Academy families and discussions on broadcasts about their life in The family generally keeps personal details private, focusing on shared experiences amid Patrick's professional relocations.

Off-field interests and residence

Corbin maintains residences connected to his professional affiliations and origins. He owns a home in Arizona, acquired during his tenure with the Diamondbacks, and has historically spent offseasons in the Clay, New York area near Syracuse, where his family resides. Following his 2019 signing with the Nationals, Corbin transitioned to a new offseason base, while continuing spring training preparations in locations such as West Palm Beach, Florida, and utilizing a guesthouse there for team-related purposes. Off the field, Corbin leads a low-profile life, eschewing media controversies and focusing on standard athlete pursuits. He periodically returns to his alma mater, Cicero-North Syracuse High School in New York, to conduct informal youth sessions, including throwing batting practice and signing autographs for local students. No prominent philanthropic initiatives or non- hobbies, such as golf or organized clinics, are publicly documented in association with him.

References

  1. https://www.mlb.com/rangers/player/patrick-corbin-571578
  2. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/corbipa01.shtml
  3. https://www.mlb.com/news/patrick-corbin-signs-with-nationals-c301455798
  4. https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/history/texas-rangers-pitcher-patrick-corbin-stands-atop-some-disappointing-history-over-last-five-years
  5. https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/rangers-sign-veteran-pitcher-patrick-corbin-fresh-off-disastrous-140m-nationals-deal/
  6. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=corbipa01
  7. https://www.syracuse.com/sports/2019/10/corbin-family-journey-to-world-series-is-all-smiles-and-tears.html
  8. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/515260/2018/09/10/the-family-slider-how-patrick-corbin-learned-one-of-baseballs-best-pitches/
  9. https://www.syracuse.com/sports/2019/03/nationals-pitcher-and-c-ns-grad-patrick-corbins-tale-sits-between-myth-reality.html
  10. https://cnycentral.com/news/local/world-series-champ-patrick-corbin-is-the-talk-of-his-cny-hometown
  11. https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/nats-pitcher-patrick-corbin-had-not-your-typical-path-to-the-majors/65-4b7281e1-0789-41b4-8cb5-00002316c484
  12. https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2025/06/02/who-is-patrick-corbin-10-things-to-know-about-the-texas-rangers-starting-pitcher/
  13. https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/6162-patrick-corbin/
  14. https://cronkitenewsonline.com/2015/02/d-backs-corbin-vaults-into-chipola-college-immortality/index.html
  15. https://www.mlb.com/news/pipeline-perspectives-angels-2009-first-year-player-draft-best-of-decade/c-66221826
  16. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=corbin001pat
  17. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/trades.php?p=corbipa01
  18. https://www.mlb.com/news/arizona-d-backs-left-hander-patrick-corbin-returns-to-marlins-park/c-47913272
  19. https://www.kold.com/story/17955752/dbacks-rook-corbin-shines-in-mlb-debut
  20. https://www.statmuse.com/mlb/ask/patrick-corbin-2013
  21. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/13194951/patrick-corbin-arizona-diamondbacks-make-first-start-2013-saturday
  22. https://www.azsnakepit.com/2014/3/16/5516076/patrick-corbin-has-torn-ucl
  23. https://www.azsnakepit.com/2014/3/24/5543400/patrick-corbin-tommy-john-surgery
  24. https://www.mlb.com/news/d-backs-reinstate-patrick-corbin-and-oscar-hernandez-from-the-disabled-list/c-134710818
  25. https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2015/08/21/patrick-corbins-rollercoaster-year-par-tommy-john-course/32156359/
  26. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/pitching.php?y=2015&t=ARI
  27. https://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2015/11/25/9794588/patrick-corbin-diamondbacks-tommy-john-return-different-pitcher-sinker-slider-mlb
  28. https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2016/08/13/patrick-corbins-struggles-have-diamondbacks-weighing-change/88701542/
  29. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/pitching.php?y=2016&t=ARI
  30. https://www.mlb.com/news/patrick-corbin-making-strong-rotation-bid-c219957568
  31. https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/patrick-corbin-571578
  32. https://www.fangraphs.com/players/patrick-corbin/9323/stats?position=P
  33. https://www.azsnakepit.com/2017/11/23/16694676/2017-arizona-diamondbacks-review-14-patrick-corbin-greinke-ray-altuve-zimmerman
  34. https://arizonasports.com/general-news/nationals-patrick-corbin-six-innings-dodgers-playoff-debut/2106111/
  35. https://www.mlb.com/press-release/nationals-agree-to-terms-with-patrick-corbin-301570606
  36. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/25452990/free-agent-patrick-corbin-agrees-deal-washington-nationals
  37. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/12/nationals-to-sign-patrick-corbin.html
  38. https://www.statmuse.com/mlb/ask/patrick-corbin-career-postseason-stats
  39. https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/world-series-nationals-patrick-corbin-becomes-postseason-relief-ace-vs-astros-in-game-7/
  40. https://nypost.com/2019/10/31/nationals-patrick-corbin-delivers-big-time-bullpen-outing/
  41. https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2019_WS.shtml
  42. https://districtondeck.com/posts/reminiscing-on-the-best-moments-from-the-nationals-2019-world-series-run-01hvy4dgf60s
  43. https://www.si.com/mlb/nationals/news/former-all-star-closes-book-on-disastrous-washington-nationals-tenure
  44. https://www.thenatsreport.com/p/perspective-fixing-patrick-corbin
  45. https://calltothepen.com/patrick-corbin-can-help-a-mlb-team-in-2025-with-one-tweak-to-his-strategy
  46. https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/history/washington-nationals-starting-pitcher-patrick-corbin-on-pace-to-set-undesirable-mlb-record-third-season-with-adjusted-era-70-or-under-01j4hze3pd1y
  47. https://www.si.com/mlb/nationals/news/patrick-corbin-washington-nationals-four-worst-contracts-ever
  48. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44306413/rangers-sign-veteran-left-hander-patrick-corbin-1-year-deal
  49. https://www.mlb.com/news/patrick-corbin-rangers-contract
  50. https://thescore.com/mlb/news/3245471
  51. https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/31313/patrick-corbin
  52. https://www.statmuse.com/mlb/player/patrick-corbin-12090
  53. https://www.justbaseball.com/mlb/texas-rangers-news-pitching-lab-fixed-patrick-corbin/
  54. https://www.mlb.com/news/patrick-corbin-developing-changeup
  55. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsyovGkLfwM
  56. https://blogs.fangraphs.com/instagraphs/patrick-corbins-game-changing-tweak/
  57. https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/patrick-corbin-571578?stats=statcast-r-pitching-mlb
  58. https://www.[fangraphs](/page/FanGraphs).com/players/patrick-corbin/9323/stats?position=P
  59. https://www.pinstripealley.com/2018/10/16/17980836/yankees-offseason-starting-pitching-free-agents-patrick-corbin-cc-sabathia-ja-happ-diamondbacks
  60. https://insidethezona.com/2016/01/fastballs-changeups-diamondbacks/
  61. https://www.si.com/mlb/nationals/news/washington-nationals-former-world-series-mvp-new-worst-contract-team
  62. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5072690/2023/11/27/buyers-remorse-mlbs-10-worst-contracts/
  63. https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/washington-nationals-place-pitcher-patrick-corbin-on-paternity-list-recall-veteran-paolo-espino
  64. https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/sports/nbcsports/patrick-corbin-celebrates-the-birth-of-new-baby-son/2672907/
  65. https://www.mlb.com/news/nationals-introduce-patrick-corbin-c301569538
  66. https://www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/patrick-and-jen-corbin-surprise-youth-baseball-academy-families-with-shopping-spree
  67. https://www.mlb.com/nationals/video/patrick-corbin-s-wife-joins-the-broadcast
  68. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/699338/2018/12/07/inside-patrick-corbins-courting-and-the-world-of-the-newest-member-of-the-nationals/
  69. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/02/16/patrick-corbin-says-its-same-game-things-have-changed-with-big-contract-with-nats/
  70. https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2025/03/24/new-ranger-patrick-corbin-hoping-change-of-scenery-brings-back-world-series-winning-form/
  71. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2023/02/23/patrick-corbin-mentor-mackenzie-gore-nationals-spring-training/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.