The knuckleball, once a quirky yet effective pitch in baseball, is on the brink of extinction. And Matt Waldron, the last remaining knuckleballer in the MLB, is fighting to keep it alive. But here's where it gets controversial: is the knuckleball's demise a result of its inherent unpredictability, or is it a casualty of modern baseball's obsession with velocity and precision? Let’s dive into Waldron’s journey and the challenges he faces as the lone guardian of this fading art.
The San Diego Padres are deep into Spring Training, with Opening Day looming in late March. While the team has already played a handful of Cactus League games, one player stands out for all the wrong reasons—or perhaps, for all the right ones. Matt Waldron, the last active knuckleball pitcher in the MLB, is in a high-stakes battle to secure his spot on the major league roster. Unlike his predecessors, R.A. Dickey and Tim Wakefield, who retired in 2017 and 2011 respectively, Waldron has yet to cement his legacy. And this is the part most people miss: the knuckleball, as mesmerizing as it is, is a double-edged sword.
The knuckleball’s unpredictability is both its greatest strength and its fatal flaw. While it’s nearly unhittable when executed perfectly, it’s a nightmare for catchers and umpires alike. Catchers struggle to corral its erratic movement, and umpires often misjudge its trajectory, leading to questionable calls. In 2024, Kyle Higashioka managed to handle Waldron’s knuckleball with relative success, but others haven’t been so fortunate. Take Martín Maldonado’s performance in 2025 against the Philadelphia Phillies, for example. Maldonado allowed a passed ball and three wild pitches, gifting the Phillies a run in the fourth inning. Waldron relied heavily on his knuckleball that game, throwing it 74.0% of the time—a stark contrast to his 38.2% average in 2024.
But the real issue? If the knuckleball isn’t thrown with pinpoint precision, batters will feast on it. And even when it’s thrown correctly, there’s no guarantee it’ll be called a strike. Umpires have consistently struggled to call Waldron’s pitches accurately, adding another layer of complexity to his already challenging career.
Waldron’s journey has been a rollercoaster. After spending most of his career in the minors, he bounced between the majors and minors from 2023 to 2025. His most significant stint came in 2024, when he made 26 starts for the Padres, helping them reach the postseason. However, his performance was inconsistent. While most pitchers struggle later in games, Waldron’s biggest issues came early. His ERA in the first three innings was a staggering 4.62, compared to 3.36 in innings four through six. In fact, his first-inning ERA alone was a jaw-dropping 7.88. These early-game struggles have haunted him, culminating in a 6.48 ERA during his 2025 season in the San Diego minor league system.
But what if Waldron could figure out how to settle in sooner? With his unhittable knuckleball, he could become a dominant force. His recent start against the Kansas City Royals offers a glimmer of hope. In the Padres’ 10-3 victory, Waldron allowed just one walk and one single over two innings, showcasing a more balanced pitch mix. He reduced his knuckleball usage to 33.0%, down from his career average of 46.3%. In the first inning, he faced four Kansas City starters, inducing groundouts from Jonathan India and Bobby Witt Jr., walking Vinnie Pasquantino, and striking out Salvador Perez. In the second, he caught Dairon Blanco stealing second after giving up a single, then struck out John Rave to end his outing.
If Waldron can build on this performance over the next few weeks, he might secure a spot in the Padres’ rotation and breathe new life into his career. Perhaps he’ll find success in a swingman role, dominating the middle innings. But time is running out. Waldron is out of options, and while it’s unlikely another team would claim him off waivers, there’s always a chance the Padres could lose him for good.
So, here’s the question: Is the knuckleball worth saving? Or is it a relic of a bygone era, unsuited for today’s game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark some fiery opinions.
