MLB pitchers have been using various high-tech tools in the last few years to guide them in their process of improving on the mound.
They can now know what they are doing wrong and what they could be doing better by knowing and understanding concepts such as spin efficiency, spin axis, horizontal and vertical movement, and more.
In the good ol’ days, the focus was on fastball velocity.
In the last couple of years, however, batters have been catching up with their own cutting-edge technology resources to improve.
The concept of bat-fitting was born.
“Only four years ago, the concept of bat-fitting was foreign to MLB, @Ken_Rosenthal reports. Players chose their preferred lengths and weights, but there was no science behind it. Now, an increasing number of stars cite the benefits of bat-fitting,” The Athletic tweeted.
Only four years ago, the concept of bat-fitting was foreign to MLB, @Ken_Rosenthal reports.
Players chose their preferred lengths and weights, but there was no science behind it.
Now, an increasing number of stars cite the benefits of bat-fitting.
More: https://t.co/1PZTUk9MXy pic.twitter.com/6pslWHM24u
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) February 10, 2023
Ken Rosenthal used Atlanta Braves slugger and MVP candidate Austin Riley and his journey as an example of the concept.
After talking to St. Louis Cardinals stars Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, they told Riley about a lab in Baton Rouge where the process of bat-fitting would involve science to determine the optimal bat to use and help him understand how his body moves and how it can be more efficient during his swing.
Much like golf players have their clubs custom-made for them, it’s a similar thing but with baseball players.
Bat-fitting won’t necessarily make every journeyman a star, but it can help MLB hitters to optimize their swings and improve their performances.
The concept and the statistical evidence are still somewhat new and developing, but more hitters are trying bat-fitting.
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