Thanks for listening to The Gap!
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/IU6698CKp5g
Should pitchers Olympic lift if they’ve had elbow issues? In this episode, we sit down with Cadin Maynard, strength coach for the Toronto Blue Jays, to explore one of the most debated topics in baseball performance training.
Cadin’s take is simple but powerful: “If you can make an argument for it, then yes. If it’s not beneficial, then no.” We unpack what that means in practice — how to evaluate Olympic lifts for pitchers on a case-by-case basis, and when alternatives might be smarter.
In this conversation, we cover:
The role of Olympic lifts in developing explosive lower-body power for pitchers.
Elbow health considerations — why the catch position and overhead mechanics can be a red flag for some athletes.
How to make the case for or against Olympic lifts, depending on training goals, health history, and performance demands.
Alternative strategies like med ball throws, plyometrics, and trap bar jumps that deliver power with less joint stress.
Cadin’s coaching philosophy: tailoring the program to the athlete, not the other way around.
Whether you’re a pitcher, coach, or strength professional, this episode will help you understand when Olympic lifts are a game-changer — and when they’re better left out of the program.
🎙️ Tune in for a nuanced look at performance, health, and smart training decisions from inside Major League Baseball.
