The Astros have been a high-contact, low walk rate team in recent years. But they took that to new levels in 2024, and need to get back to better strike zone judgment in 2025.
Great article. While the personnel is different today than in the past, as you not even those who remain have turned away from the approach that led to the Astros, I think in 2017, but maybe 2019, to be the first MLB team to lead the league in both slugging and fewest strikeouts. And being in both those years a historic offense, being only the late 20s or early 30s Yankees in team WRC+. Sure, the talent level isn't the same today, but it still seems as if, as you note, a lot of the problem had to do with approach. I hope they can do something about it.
Bill, first of all, thanks for reading. I appreciate it very much.
Second, I do think talent is part of the equation compared to the 2017 to 2019 teams. For example, they replaced Carlos Correa (excellent contact skills) with Jeremy Pena (higher chase and whiff rates). Some of it is not just talent. Yainer is a much more talented hitter than Maldy, but he hacks more.
But you are right that part of it is approach from the same players. You can see that in the bar graphs. Players like Altuve and Yordan didn't make as good of swing decisions in 2024 as previously. That's where I hope they can improve.
Great article. While the personnel is different today than in the past, as you not even those who remain have turned away from the approach that led to the Astros, I think in 2017, but maybe 2019, to be the first MLB team to lead the league in both slugging and fewest strikeouts. And being in both those years a historic offense, being only the late 20s or early 30s Yankees in team WRC+. Sure, the talent level isn't the same today, but it still seems as if, as you note, a lot of the problem had to do with approach. I hope they can do something about it.
Bill, first of all, thanks for reading. I appreciate it very much.
Second, I do think talent is part of the equation compared to the 2017 to 2019 teams. For example, they replaced Carlos Correa (excellent contact skills) with Jeremy Pena (higher chase and whiff rates). Some of it is not just talent. Yainer is a much more talented hitter than Maldy, but he hacks more.
But you are right that part of it is approach from the same players. You can see that in the bar graphs. Players like Altuve and Yordan didn't make as good of swing decisions in 2024 as previously. That's where I hope they can improve.