Full Breakdown
The Decline of Batting Average in Major League Baseball
3/2/2026, 9:51:49 PM
Shifting Priorities in Player Performance Metrics
In recent years, Major League Baseball (MLB) has witnessed a significant shift in how player performance is evaluated, with batting average losing its prominence in favor of more comprehensive metrics like On-base Plus Slugging (OPS). Andrew Benintendi, a veteran player for the Chicago White Sox, noted this change, stating, “The game kind of changes where the money is, I guess. So players obviously will chase that.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend where players prioritize OPS and power numbers over traditional batting averages.
The Current Landscape of Batting Average
The decline in the importance of batting average is underscored by the free agency of Luis Arraez, a three-time batting champion who, despite a career average of .317—the highest among active players—was not signed until just before spring training. Arraez's recent season saw him hit a career-low .292 with limited power, illustrating the changing valuation of batting average in the league. The overall MLB batting average has remained relatively stable, recorded at .248 in 2023, but the number of players achieving .300 or better has dwindled, with only seven players reaching this mark in 2025.
Perspectives from Baseball Executives
Baseball executives have also acknowledged the evolving metrics in player evaluation. Chris Young, president of baseball operations for the Texas Rangers, emphasized the importance of advanced metrics over batting average, stating, “We look at more of the advanced metrics and the expected outcomes based on the quality of the at-bat.” Similarly, Jed Hoyer, president of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs, remarked that while batting average is not a primary evaluation tool, it still reflects a player's ability to make quality contact.
The Player Experience and Future Implications
Despite the declining emphasis on batting average, players still recognize its significance. Nico Hoerner of the Chicago Cubs, who batted .297 last year, expressed that players take pride in their batting averages, even if they are aware of the changing landscape. He noted, “They don’t say like, oh, I hit .840 OPS. I hit .270 or whatever it is.” This indicates that while OPS may dominate discussions, batting average retains a place in the hearts of players.
The future of batting average may also hinge on the game's younger players. Sal Stewart, a promising rookie for the Cincinnati Reds, acknowledged that while batting average was not a focal point during his development, it still holds value for him. He stated, “I really like on-base the most,” suggesting that while batting average may be losing its status, it is not entirely irrelevant.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The game kind of changes where the money is, I guess,” — Andrew Benintendi, Chicago White Sox
- “We look at more of the advanced metrics and the expected outcomes based on the quality of the at-bat, the process metrics, but you can start with batting average and say this guy’s doing something well,” — Chris Young, Texas Rangers
- “I think there’s a lot of things that are much more important,” — Jed Hoyer, Chicago Cubs
- “I think it’s more slug, OPS is what outweighs batting average now,” — Andrew Benintendi, Chicago White Sox
- “I mean I’m not like, ‘Oh average is the king,’ you know, but I look into it,” — Sal Stewart, Cincinnati Reds
The evolving landscape of MLB metrics illustrates a complex relationship between traditional statistics and modern analytical approaches, indicating that while batting average may be in decline, it still plays a role in the broader narrative of player evaluation.
