Last year, Kyle Schwarber made history by becoming the first player in MLB history to drive in more than 100 runs (104) in a season with a batting average below .200. He also became the first player to hit 40 home runs (he hit 47), score 100 runs (he had 108), or draw at least 120 walks (he drew 126) despite having a batting average below .200. These remarkable achievements were made possible by his league-leading 720 plate appearances, which helped him compile impressive offensive stats despite his low batting average of .197. Schwarber’s OPS above .800 and 119 wRC+ in 2023 solidified his status as a valuable offensive player, even with his low batting average.
This year, Schwarber has displayed improvements in his performance at the plate. His TTO% is lower at 50%, and his batting average has increased to .239, close to the league average. Additionally, his .341 wOBA, .356 xwOBA, and 122 wRC+ rank him among the top 25 qualified batters in the National League.
While Schwarber has shown progress in his offensive numbers, his approach at the plate has raised some concerns. He continues to strike out at a high rate, and his power numbers have declined compared to previous seasons. With a decreased home run rate and extra-base hit rate, Schwarber’s power production is at its lowest point in his career.
Despite maintaining a high hard-hit rate and strong bat speed, Schwarber’s drop in power numbers is a cause for discussion. His intentional adjustment to hit more groundballs and decrease his fly ball rate may be contributing to his change in hitting approach. Schwarber’s teammates and coaches have noticed this shift in his game, joking that he is now a “slappy leadoff hitter.” However, Schwarber’s intentional change in approach seems to be yielding positive results, as he is making more hard contact on his groundballs and hitting with more directionality.
