In a stunning revelation this morning, Detroit Tigers pitcher Reese Olson, 25, announced an audacious plan for the next six months that has left fans and the baseball community buzzing with concern. The young right-hander, known for his elite slider and changeup, declared his intention to take a mid-season sabbatical from baseball to pursue a high-stakes entrepreneurial venture: launching a sports technology startup aimed at revolutionizing pitching analytics. While Olson’s ambition is inspiring, the risky move—balancing a fledgling business with his critical role in the Tigers’ rotation—has sparked worry about his health, performance, and the team’s 2025 postseason hopes.
Olson, a Gainesville, Georgia native, has been a breakout star in 2025. With a 3.53 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 112.1 innings, he’s a cornerstone of the Tigers’ rotation alongside Tarik Skubal and Jackson Jobe. His April 24 performance, throwing 7.1 scoreless innings with a 41% CSW rate, showcased his dominance. Yet, Olson’s announcement, made via a heartfelt X post, revealed his plan to split time between the mound and his startup, which aims to develop AI-driven wearables for real-time pitch analysis. “I’ve always dreamed of blending my love for tech and baseball,” Olson wrote. “This is risky, but I believe it can change the game.”
The venture is bold but fraught with challenges. Starting a tech company during an MLB season is unprecedented, especially for a pitcher recovering from a 2024 shoulder injury that sidelined him for two months. Fans fear the added stress could exacerbate health issues or disrupt his focus, potentially inflating his 6.7 HR/FB% or regressing his 2.48 ERA. Olson’s five-pitch arsenal—fastball, sinker, slider, changeup, and curve—requires meticulous command, and any distraction could derail his progress, especially as he aims to boost his 21.7% strikeout rate.
The baseball world is divided. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch called Olson’s passion “admirable” but urged caution, noting, “Reese is vital to our rotation. We need him healthy and focused.” Former teammate Jack Flaherty, now with the Dodgers, posted on X, “Go for it, Reese, but don’t burn out. You’re too good.” Fans, however, are less optimistic, flooding X with #StayOnTheMound, reflecting fears that Olson’s startup could jeopardize the Tigers’ playoff push. Detroit, currently third in the AL Central, relies on Olson’s elite 50.6% groundball rate and 40% whiff rates on his slider and changeup.
Olson’s tech venture, tentatively named PitchPulse, aims to provide pitchers with instant feedback on spin rate, velocity, and arm stress, potentially reducing injuries. Industry experts see promise but warn of the steep learning curve in tech entrepreneurship. “It’s a crowded market, and scaling during a season is risky,” said tech analyst Sarah Lin. Olson plans to fund the startup with personal savings and a crowdfunding campaign, adding financial pressure to an already demanding schedule.
Despite the risks, Olson remains undeterred. “I know what it takes to compete,” he told reporters, echoing his 2024 comment after a shutout against Toronto. He plans to work on PitchPulse during off-days and delegate to a small team, aiming to launch a prototype by December 2025. The Tigers have not confirmed whether they’ll adjust his schedule, but sources suggest he’ll remain in the rotation barring setbacks.
As Olson embarks on this daring dual path, fans are left praying for his success—on and off the field. His journey will test the limits of ambition, resilience, and the balance between dreams and duty.
