Shifting Priorities in Major League Baseball
In the evolving landscape of Major League Baseball (MLB), Andrew Benintendi recognizes a shift in player priorities since he entered the league in 2016. Initially, he was focused on achieving a high batting average, having posted a .312 in the minors prior to making his debut. Now, as he embarks on his fourth season with the Chicago White Sox and his 11th overall, Benintendi emphasizes on-base plus slugging (OPS) and power metrics as more valuable indicators of success.
“The game kind of changes where the money is, I guess,”
he noted, reflecting how financial incentives drive players to adjust their focus.
The Decline of Batting Average
This trend highlights the declining significance of batting average, traditionally a key statistic in baseball. Instead, OPS — which merges on-base percentage with slugging average — has gained traction, offering a more comprehensive view of a player’s offensive capabilities. Unlike batting average, which treats all hits equally, OPS highlights the importance of power and alternative means of reaching base.
The recent free agency saga of Luis Arraez serves as a stark example of the batting average’s diminished relevance. Despite boasting a .317 career average — the highest among currently qualified players — Arraez struggled to secure a lucrative deal after a season in which he hit .292 with merely eight home runs and 61 RBIs, along with defensive shortcomings. Ultimately, he signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco Giants for $12 million, emphasizing his determination and competitiveness regardless of who is pitching.
Current Trends and Metrics
Major League batting averages have seen slight fluctuations post-pandemic, staying roughly on par since 2020; the league average was recorded at .248 in 2023. Advances in the game, such as the introduction of a pitch clock and larger bases, may have contributed to this stability. Nonetheless, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees claimed the 2025 American League batting title with a .331 average, while Trea Turner led the National League with a notably low .304.
Chris Young, president of baseball operations for the Texas Rangers, acknowledged that while batting average can signal a player’s competence, more advanced metrics now dominate their evaluations. Similarly, Jed Hoyer, the Cubs’ president of baseball operations, remarked that while batting averages are less emphasized in player assessments, they still reflect a player’s ability to consistently make quality contact.
Players Adapting to New Metrics
Players such as Nico Hoerner have navigated these changing dynamics effectively; Hoerner posted a .297 average last season, playing a crucial role in returning the Cubs to the playoffs. Hoyer believes that players capable of making consistent contact in a strikeout-heavy environment carry intrinsic value. As Hoerner himself stated, while players are cognizant of what statistics matter for their careers, many still retain a sense of pride in their batting averages.
Benintendi’s recent performance illustrates the transition many players are making towards prioritizing OPS; he accumulated a .276 average and an average of 14.1 home runs between 2016 and 2023, but in recent seasons, his average fell to .234 while his home runs surged to 25.8 per 162 games.
“I think it’s more slug, OPS is what outweighs batting average now,”
he expressed, underlining that the value of power in a player’s contribution can outweigh traditional hitting metrics.
The Future of Batting Average
Interestingly, younger players entering the league still find batting average compelling. Cincinnati’s Sal Stewart, a promising talent with a .309 average in the minors last season, shared that while on-base percentages are his primary focus, batting average still holds personal significance.
The conversation surrounding batting averages continues to evolve, reflecting broader changes in baseball strategies and player evaluations. As metrics become more sophisticated, the new era of players like Benintendi and Stewart will undoubtedly shape the future landscape of this iconic sport.
