Getting on base is still an underrated part of the game in baseball, especially in MLB.
The objective of the game is scoring runs, and a player who doesn’t get on base hardly helps achieve that.
Despite often not getting the importance it deserves, the baseball universe has slowly begun to recognize the benefits of having high-OBP guys in the lineup: they keep rallies alive, and a strong plate discipline directly correlates with working the count, and working the count directly correlates with performance at the plate.
In 2021…
👉 .235 AVG/.390 OBP/.412 SLG if it goes 2-1
👉 .169 AVG/.225 OBP/.276 SLG if it goes 1-2
👉 .339 AVG/.344 OBP/.568 SLG if last pitch of AB https://t.co/tam06FRahv— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) February 23, 2022
Speaking of high-OBP hitters, Freddie Freeman has made the news in the last couple of days after rumblings about the Atlanta Braves not wanting his services anymore.
That’s preposterous for many reasons: he remains a top hitter even at 32, he has shown no signs of decline, and just carried the Braves to a World Series title.
But they don’t seem very pleased with his contract demands, so it’s looking more and more likely he will be leaving for another organization.
This Particular Stat Tells You Everything You Need To Know About Freeman’s Batting Eye
There is one particular stat that shows Freeman remains an elite offensive performer.
“The only players with a .380 OBP or higher in each of the last 6 seasons: Mike Trout, Freddie Freeman,” per Danny Vietti of CBS.
The only players with a .380 OBP or higher in each of the last 6 seasons:
• Mike Trout
• Freddie Freeman— Danny Vietti (@DannyVietti) February 23, 2022
For those not familiar with the number and its implications, a .380 OBP is elite over a full season, let alone six.
The fact he is only joined by Trout, perhaps the best player of this generation, probably tells you everything you need to know.
Freeman has surpassed a .400 OBP three times in his career, all in the last six seasons.
His streak of six campaigns with at least a .380 OBP was interrupted by a .370 mark in 2015.
Most MLB players would dream of finishing with a .370 OBP in a single year.
Yes, Freeman remains a hitting master.
