His kill-spin changeup is a weapon that doesn’t get enough credit, generating a 45% whiff rate with 1,250 RPM in 2025, despite being used just five percent of the time. He also mixes in a short, low-80s slider and an upper-80s cutter with late movement; both pitches he shows strong feel for but again doesn’t throw much.
Ishikawa is a really dynamic mover, creating effective drive down the mound with fluid lower-half engagement.
Reports throughout fall have mentioned Ishikawa standing out not only in the box, but also on the mound. Expect Wes Johnson to unlock more pitchability from Kenny this coming spring allowing him to succeed more often in games, as he’s slated to be a weekend starter in a crowded and experienced Bulldog staff.
LHP Ryan Marohn, 6’2, 192 lb (NC State)
Marohn had a fantastic sophomore campaign for the Wolfpack, pitching over 85 innings to a 3.38 ERA and led the ACC in FIP (3.77).
Ryan does a lot of things well on the mound, highlighted by the deception he creates with a crossfire delivery that produces awkward angles for hitters, especially lefties.
His primary pitch is his four-seam which sits in the low-90s, an offering that gets plenty of ride with plus control. Marohn’s go-to off-speed option is his curveball, and it’s a plus offering. He threw it for over 60% strikes while generating a whiff rate north of 35%, creating funky swings as it tunnels well with the fastball.
Ryan’s changeup is also effective, averaging more than 16 inches of arm-side fade while giving righties trouble.
He rounds out his arsenal with both a cutter and a slider against left-handers, each showing similar shape and action toward the plate. It’ll be interesting to see over the course of the 2026 season if Marohn is able to create more lateral break on his slider shape, or keep it as is with short action with depth.