“Don’t Think They’re Being Taught Enough” – Ex-Yankees Icon Alex Rodriguez Blasts Alarming Trend in Modern Baseball In Honest Take

There was a time when playing one game a week meant everything, because it came after six straight days of sweaty, focused practice. Those days felt sacred. Today? It’s a whole different ballgame

In an era of advanced metrics and jam-packed tournament weekends, one ex-Yankees legend isn’t impressed. While others rave about velocity and launch angles, Alex Rodriguez is focused on something quietly slipping from baseball’s DNA. So, what sparked this unfiltered opinion?

It started with a video. Late Wednesday night, A-Rod took to Threads and posted a direct message titled “The Issue With Youth Baseball Today.” No game footage, no viral moment—just a pure, no-frills opinion. And his take? Today’s young stars might be physically elite, but mentally and fundamentally, they’re falling short. Not because they don’t care, but because they’re not being taught enough.

“I think players today have never been better, stronger, and faster. The things they can do are incredible,” he said. “But the fundamentals aren’t as strong. I don’t think they’re being taught the right way… or taught enough.” Now, that wasn’t just a hot take, it was a wake-up call.

Rodriguez wasn’t taking shots at individual coaches or young players. His critique was directed at the player development culture as a whole. “You play six, seven games a week… sometimes three or four on a Saturday and Sunday,” he noted. The repetition is there, but it’s the wrong kind. There’s no time for slow, intentional drills. No time to develop instincts. Just constant, high-stress competition.

He’s not calling for less competition. He’s calling for balance, a process that values development, not just exposure. As youth baseball leans harder into travel teams, viral highlights, and flashy showcases, something critical is slipping through the cracks: baseball IQ. And unlike sprint speed or exit velocity, baseball IQ doesn’t improve by playing more. It improves by learning more.

The transformation did not happen overnight.

With year-round tournaments and early scouting pressures, kids are specializing earlier and playing more games than ever. While A-Rod respects the talent in today’s game, he believes this fast-track system is stealing the basics that once made baseball great.

So why speak up now? Because someone had to. Not everything that looks like progress is actually pushing the game forward. Still, we’ve got things to be hopeful about.

Power, precision, and progress: How modern baseball is rewriting the rules

While the ex-Yankees shortstop highlighted the decline in fundamentals, modern baseball has also evolved into a faster, smarter, and more explosive version of itself. The game hasn’t lost its essence—it’s simply transformed, embracing innovations that heighten performance and amplify the fan experience.

One of the most thrilling developments? Power hitting. Today’s game is defined by explosive offense. In 2023, MLB teams combined for 5,868 home runs—a record-breaking number that showcases the modern emphasis on launch angles and optimized swing mechanics. This isn’t just brute strength—it’s data-backed strategy. Hitters now understand how to generate power in previously unimaginable ways, making games more high-scoring and electric.

On the mound, the evolution is just as intense. Pitchers are throwing harder, smarter, and with more variety than ever. The average fastball velocity has steadily climbed, and elite arms regularly touch triple digits. In 2023, aces like Gerrit Cole and Spencer Strider combined high heat with devastating breaking pitches, creating must-watch matchups that keep fans on edge.

Behind the scenes, analytics have revolutionized how the game is played. Teams now rely on advanced metrics—OPS, WAR, xBA, DIPS—to make decisions, once based on gut instinct. From lineup construction to bullpen usage to defensive shifts (pre-2023), data has added layers of strategy that deepen the game’s complexity. It’s also uncovered hidden talent, giving overlooked players a shot at stardom.

The current game has also seen an increase in specialized roles, allowing players to aim at specific aspects of the game that suit their strengths. This specialization means teams can maximize their lineup by adding power hitters, defensive experts, and base-stealers who excel in their particular roles. For instance, Jorge Mateo, identified for his speed, can be used in vital moments for base-running, while sluggers like Aaron Judge anchor the middle of the lineup. This variety adds complexity and depth to clubhouse strategies, making for a more engaging experience for the fan base.

Another defining trait of modern baseball? Specialization. Players today are hyper-focused on their strengths. Whether it’s a base-stealing speedster like Jorge Mateo or a slugger like Aaron Judge anchoring the lineup, teams now build rosters that thrive on complementary skill sets. This chess-match approach adds variety and intrigue to every inning.

Then there are the rule changes. The pitch clock, shift ban, and larger bases introduced in 2023 have significantly sped up the pace of play. Dead time is down; action is up. Fans are now treated to more drama per minute—more steals, more balls in play, and more edge-of-your-seat moments. And with the universal designated hitter rule in place, offensive production has surged, giving more players meaningful roles regardless of fielding ability.

Bottom line? While some may yearn for the fundamentals of yesterday, baseball today is undergoing a renaissance. A-Rod’s concerns are real, but so is the progress. The challenge now is finding the sweet spot between the two.