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What Luis Arraez is accomplishing in baseball today seems nearly impossible.
He has now surpassed a full month without recording a strikeout. Arraez’s last strikeout occurred on August 10, marking 28 games without one. In that time, he has made 124 plate appearances and seen 445 pitches, none of which resulted in a strikeout.
“Everyone dislikes strikeouts,” stated the Padres star recently. “But I especially despise them.”
Longest plate-appearance streaks without a strikeout (since the start of the Expansion Era in 1961):
• Dave Cash, 223 (1976 Phillies)
• Nellie Fox, 185 (1962 White Sox)
• Bill Buckner, 184 (1972 Dodgers)
• Greg Gross, 173 (1979-80 Phillies)
• Tony Gwynn, 170 (1995 Padres)
Arraez’s aversion to strikeouts is powering an unprecedented streak that feels out of place in today’s MLB, where pitchers are remarkably skilled and strikeout rates are at an all-time high. Arraez stands out as a rare breed. He has become exceedingly difficult to strike out.
As he heads into Friday’s series opener against the Giants, Arraez has maintained a strikeout-free record over his last 27 games. Let’s delve into what he has been doing during this period. (While he had four additional plate appearances after his last strikeout on August 10, we will start our analysis from the first game without a strikeout on August 11.)
During this stretch, Arraez has faced 116 two-strike pitches, and none have resulted in a strikeout. He has swung at 91 of those two-strike pitches without missing.
We can further analyze the details of his performance. Below are five essential factors contributing to Arraez’s streak without a strikeout.
1) He’ll see a strike … but then he jumps on you
While it’s possible to get Strike 1 on Arraez, that’s all part of his strategy. Acquiring a second strike to put Arraez in a potential strikeout situation is considerably more challenging.
A called strike found its way onto the inner edge of the plate, yet when Kirby challenged him again with another 97 mph fastball on the subsequent pitch, which drifted over the plate, Arraez seized the opportunity and drove a line-drive base hit.
In the past month, despite his tendency to take the first pitch, Arraez has had 57% of his plate appearances concluded before accumulating two strikes, placing him in the top 10 among hitters with at least 100 at-bats in the Majors. More indicative of his hitting strategy is that 40% of Arraez’s plate appearances are ultimately decided with just one strike—after that initial take but before reaching a strikeout count—tying him with Nico Hoerner for the highest percentage among all hitters.
However, even as he finds himself in strikeout situations less frequently than most players in the league, nearly half of Arraez’s plate appearances have still reached a two-strike count. This is where his exceptional contact ability truly stands out.
2) He redefines ”protecting the plate”
Arraez can usually be dealt a Strike 1. Occasionally, he might allow a Strike 2. But Strike 3? That is simply unattainable.
When he finds himself in two-strike counts, Arraez is unlike any other hitter in baseball. He guards every pitch.
Arraez’s swing rate by count
During a stretch of no-strikeout games
As the count advances from zero to two strikes, pitchers encounter three distinct versions of Arraez. Once he draws near to striking out, he ensures that nothing passes him by.
During his no-strikeout streak, Arraez has swung at over three-quarters of the two-strike pitches he has faced. His approach to plate protection with two strikes ranks as the most aggressive in the Major Leagues.
Highest swing rate in two-strike counts since 8/11
Hitters facing 100+ two-strike pitches
This is particularly true for borderline pitches. Over the last month, Arraez has swung at 90% of the borderline pitches he has encountered while holding a two-strike count—these pitches are typically a baseball’s width from the edges of the strike zone, regardless of“`html
3) He possesses the shortest two-strike swing in the league
When it comes to protecting the plate, Arraez’s approach stands out from that of other hitters. His swing is uniquely crafted to bring the bat directly to the ball.
Statcast’s advanced bat tracking data provides clear evidence of this. Arraez boasts the shortest swing in baseball and utilizes that swing to make contact with the sweet spot of the bat at a higher rate than any other hitter.
Most crucially for his remarkable streak of avoiding strikeouts, Arraez has the shortest two-strike swing in the game. His average swing length in two-strike scenarios measures just 5.9 feet, both for the overall 2024 season and throughout his streak. He is the only player whose barrel travels less than six feet to make contact with the ball.
Hitters with the shortest two-strike swings in 2024
The MLB average for two-strike swings is 7.3 feet
Arraez’s swing during two-strike counts is nearly a foot and a half shorter than that of the average Major League hitter. It also falls about half a foot shorter than that of his fellow contact specialist, Steven Kwan, and other prominent hitters with rapid bat paths, including Corey Seager and Freddie Freeman.
In contrast, his swing is over two and a half feet shorter than those of hitters known for their long swings, such as Javier Báez (8.6 feet) and Giancarlo Stanton (8.5 feet).
In the past month, the longest swing Arraez has taken in a two-strike situation has been 7.3 feet. He has not registered any two-strike swings exceeding the Major League average—regardless of pitch type and location, be it high, low, inside, outside, fastball, breaking ball, or change-up. Out of his 86 swings in two-strike counts, 79 have measured under seven feet.
And his shortest swing while protecting the plate during two strikes? Just 3.8 feet—executed to fend off a 95 mph fastball aimed at his eyes against the Rockies’ Bradley Blalock on August 18.
rate in baseball.
Lowest 2-strike whiff rate, 2024
Hitters with 250+ 2-strike swings
Throughout his remarkable streak, Arraez’s two-strike whiff rate stands at an impressive 0.0%. This performance occurs regardless of how wide the pitch diverges from the strike zone. For instance, he managed to foul off a 90 mph cutter from Austin Warren that was eight inches off the inside corner… and also handled a 90 mph changeup from Dennis Santana that missed the plate by a foot outside. Arraez’s ability to cover the plate is unmatched.
Even when Arraez has to dig deep to make contact, practically reaching into the dirt, he maintains a compact swing to connect with the ball.
In the ninth inning on August 28, Arraez hit a flare to the opposite field for a double on a 1-2 slider thrown by Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, which was only eight inches off the ground as it crossed the strike zone. His swing length measured a mere 7.0 feet, and during his follow-through, his bat even grazed the ground just in front of the plate.
5) He’s been fortunate … twice
Even the master of contact isn’t infallible. Maintaining a month-long streak without striking out does require a touch of luck, even for Arraez.
It’s already known that Arraez seldom lets a close pitch slip by when he has two strikes against him. However, he does occasionally take a couple of pitches.
Usually, these are confident calls—though the pitch is technically near the zone, it is clearly outside. Yet during his streak, there were two instances where he let pitches go that could realistically have been called Strike 3.
The first instance occurred on August 20 against Bailey Ober of the Twins, when his 2-2 slider may have barely grazed the bottom of the strike zone.
The second instance was on August 31 against Hunter Bigge of the Rays, who threw a fast 98 mph pitch to the lower edge at 0-2 that could also have resulted in a call against Arraez.
But that didn’t happen. Ultimately, Arraez typically creates his own luck at the plate; few others could achieve what he does.
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Luis Arraez: The Unhittable Unicorn Redefining Contact Hitting in Baseball
The Rise of Luis Arraez
Luis Arraez, born on April 9, 1997, in San Felipe, Venezuela, has become one of Major League Baseball’s most exciting players. Standing at 5′ 10″ and weighing 175 lbs, Arraez has made a significant impact on the game as a first baseman known for his extraordinary contact-hitting abilities. Despite being undrafted, his talent was undeniable, leading him to make headlines across the league.
Understanding Contact Hitting
Contact hitting is a crucial skill in baseball, focusing on making consistent contact with the ball rather than swinging for the fences. This approach not only boosts batting averages but also enhances a team’s offensive strategy. Arraez exemplifies this skill, combining technique, patience, and a deep understanding of pitching.
Key Traits of an Effective Contact Hitter
- Plate Discipline: Arraez shows remarkable patience, only swinging at pitches that he can drive.
- Bat Control: His ability to use the entire field allows him to place the ball where defenders aren’t.
- Quick Bat Speed: This enables him to adjust quickly to various pitch types and speeds.
Luis Arraez’s Unique Approach to Hitting
What sets Luis Arraez apart from other hitters is his unique batting style. He embodies a modern approach to contact hitting by blending traditional techniques with a contemporary understanding of the game.
Batting Average and On-Base Percentage
Arraez consistently achieves impressive batting averages, which is a testament to his hitting philosophy. His on-base percentage (OBP) is also exceptional, reflecting his ability to draw walks and get on base, further emphasizing his value as a hitter.
Versatility at the Plate
Another critical aspect of Arraez’s game is his versatility. He can hit from both sides of the plate, making him a formidable opponent for pitchers, who must adjust their strategies accordingly.
Statistical Breakdown: Luis Arraez’s Performance
| Season | Games Played | Batting Average | On-Base Percentage | Home Runs | RBIs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 30 | .321 | .366 | 4 | 15 |
| 2021 | 143 | .294 | .342 | 6 | 61 |
| 2022 | 138 | .315 | .375 | 8 | 51 |
| 2023 | 110 | .344 | .400 | 3 | 39 |
Benefits of Arraez’s Hitting Style
Arraez’s approach to hitting offers various benefits, not only to himself but also to his team:
- Increased Scoring Opportunities: High batting averages lead to more runners on base, creating more scoring chances.
- Reduced Strikeouts: His ability to make contact minimizes strikeout rates, an essential aspect of modern baseball.
- Strategic Advantage: A hitter like Arraez forces opposing pitchers to alter their game plan, providing his teammates with advantages.
Case Studies: Impact on Team Success
Arraez’s influence extends beyond his personal statistics; his consistent performance has often translated into team success. For example, during the 2022 season, his contributions helped propel the Miami Marlins into competitive standings, showcasing how a strong contact hitter can elevate a team’s overall performance.
First-Hand Experience: Learning from Arraez
As a youth coach, I have observed how aspiring players can benefit from studying Arraez’s techniques. By focusing on fundamentals—such as bat control and plate discipline—young hitters can develop into effective contact hitters themselves. Incorporating drills that emphasize these skills can lead to significant improvements in their game.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Hitters
If you’re looking to emulate Luis Arraez’s contact-hitting skills, consider the following tips:
- Practice Plate Discipline: Work on only swinging at strikes and developing a keen eye for pitches.
- Focus on Bat Control: Use drills that emphasize hitting to all fields, helping you become a more versatile hitter.
- Analyze Pitch Types: Study different pitch types and their trajectories to better anticipate how to make contact.
Conclusion: The Future of Contact Hitting
Luis Arraez stands as a beacon for the future of contact hitting in baseball. His unique style and profound understanding of the game not only redefine what it means to be an effective hitter but also inspire the next generation of players. By embracing his techniques, baseball can evolve, emphasizing the importance of contact and strategy over sheer power.
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