Peyton Smith’s sidearm makeover is making him a late-inning weapon for Virginia Tech
In the 2026 season, Peyton Smith has emerged as a high-impact bullpen option for Virginia Tech after moving to a sidearm delivery, with reports noting a fastball and sinker in the 90s plus a sweeping breaking ball that plays up from the lower slot. He’s being used in leverage spots and has flashed swing-and-miss stuff, but the walk rate has still been a touch wild at times. The appeal is clear: veteran experience, a nastier look, and the kind of “short-inning closer” profile that can fit teams needing immediate bullpen punch.
