Cutter (Cut Fastball)

A cutter (or cut fastball) is a pitch thrown with near-fastball velocity that features late, sharp horizontal break away from the throwing-arm side. It's a hybrid pitch that combines fastball speed with slider-like movement.

The Cutter Grip

Basic Grip

• Similar to four-seam fastball
• Fingers slightly off-center toward the outer third
• Pressure on the middle finger
• Slight wrist tilt at release

The Movement

• 2-6 inches of late horizontal break
• Breaks away from same-handed batters
• Less movement than slider, more than fastball

Cutter Characteristics

Velocity

• 2-5 mph slower than four-seam fastball
• Fast enough to look like a fastball
• Late break deceives hitters

Effectiveness

• Breaks bats when thrown inside
• Gets hitters to swing at balls off the plate
• Difficult to barrel up

Famous Cutter

Mariano Rivera's cutter is the most famous in baseball history. His ability to throw it to the same spot repeatedly while it broke just enough to avoid the barrel made him the greatest closer ever.

Cutter vs. Slider

Cutter	Slider
Fastball velocity	8-12 mph slower
Late, small break	Earlier, bigger break
Horizontal mostly	Horizontal + vertical
Jams hitters	Misses bats

When to Throw It

• Inside to opposite-handed batters
• Set up the fastball away
• Induce weak contact
• Two-strike finishing pitch