What is the story about?
What's Happening?
The National League currently has only one player, Freddie Freeman of the Dodgers, hitting above .300, highlighting a significant shift in batting averages in Major League Baseball. Freeman, who has a .302 average, reflects on the difficulty of maintaining high batting averages due to the increased emphasis on home runs and on-base percentage, as well as the prevalence of pitchers throwing harder than ever. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and Reds manager Terry Francona have commented on the challenges hitters face, including the impact of defensive shifts and the focus on power hitting over traditional batting averages.
Why It's Important?
The decline in .300 hitters signifies a broader trend in baseball where traditional metrics like batting average are being overshadowed by analytics-driven strategies focusing on power and on-base percentage. This shift affects player evaluations, contract negotiations, and team strategies, potentially altering the landscape of the sport. As teams prioritize different skills, players who excel in traditional batting may find their roles and market value changing, impacting their career trajectories and the overall dynamics of the game.
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