Q&A: How Twins starter Pablo López fell in love with pitching

March 10, 2026 - 22:09

Minnesota Twins ace Pablo López has detailed the transformative early years in professional baseball that shifted his focus from the digital diamond to the actual pitcher's mound, cultivating a deep love for his craft.

López recalls that after being signed, his initial years in the minors were less about immediate success and more about fundamental education. It was a period dedicated to the granular details of pitching—mastering grips, understanding pitch sequencing, and studying the art of setting up hitters. This daily immersion in the mechanics and mental chess game of pitching sparked a genuine fascination.

He credits this burgeoning obsession with a significant lifestyle change. The countless hours he once spent playing video games were gradually replaced by studying hitters, reviewing his own outings, and dreaming about his next start. The immediate gratification of gaming was supplanted by the long-term pursuit of pitching mastery.

For López, falling in love with pitching was about embracing the process itself. The joy was found in the bullpen sessions, the film work, and the strategic conversations—the unseen work that builds a major league starter. This foundational period instilled in him a profound respect for the position, shaping him into the All-Star caliber pitcher he is today, driven by a genuine passion for every facet of his role on the team.