Which one do you guys prefer for pitchers?
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I wouldn't say specifically, but I would direct you to ericcressey.com where I think you'll probably find more info than you could ever need. Good luck.
Not sure it's an "or" question.
I'm not as aware of the particulars of my pitcher son's conditioning as I was when he was in high school, but his lower body strength work includes a lot of different exercises--squats, front-loaded reverse lunges, back-loaded forward lunges, and so on.
Concur with 9and7dad's recommendation to check with Cressey or other competent authority.
Trap bar deadlift.
Front squat or safety bar back squat.
Third the recommendation that you study Cressey's site. Stack also has some good info. None can replaced a skilled personal baseball focused trainer and I suggest you at least try to find one who can help you set up an individualized program based on the player's deficits. Train with them if at all possible.
Good luck,
Ted
Exactly what Ted said. Back squats are tough on shoulders. A proper back squat grip opens the joint in a way that is anathema to throwers of all types, but especially baseball pitcher. Further, as a former powerlifter, I deal with elbow tendonitis frequently. In my son's performance program, the trainer has his players stay with front squats until they can 5x5 at 225 then they go to the safety squat bar for back squats.
Hex bar deads are also a great pitcher's exercise, but its a different lift than the squat and they are not interchangeable.
I agree they are not interchangeable. They are important though. I like the approach your son's trainer is using.
Good luck to you both,
Ted