US EditionMLB hitters swinging at first pitches at highest rate since 1988
MLB hitters swing at first pitches 32.1% of the time, the highest rate since 1988, as pitchers' velocity and pitch variations create new offensive chances, experts say.
- MLB hitters are swinging at first pitches at a 32.1% rate in 2025, the highest since 32.6% in 1988, according to Sportradar.
- The recent rises come after a steady drop from 30% in 2001 down to 26% by 2010, which aligned with the Moneyball era's emphasis on improving on-base percentage and being patient at the plate.
- Players like Castellanos lead with a 56% first-pitch swing rate, while pitchers like Bryan Woo and Kevin Gausman throw many strikes to counter early attacks.
- Gausman noted that the 3-2 count consistently results in the highest rate of swings compared to other counts, a trend that remains unchanged, and he suggested that the pitch clock implemented before the 2023 season may encourage batters to prepare more quickly at the plate.
- This trend suggests a shift back toward aggressive hitting early in counts, influenced by advances in pitching velocity, pitch diversity, and changes in game pace.
Insights by Ground AI
Does this summary seem wrong?
27 Articles
27 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources27
Leaning Left6Leaning Right1Center14Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
L 29%
C 67%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
