Giancarlo Stanton, the behemoth slugger appears to be entering 2024 as a transformed hitter. Recovering from the lows he faced in 2023, he is back in spring training with an impressive and advanced form. This newfound approach has been evident this pre-season of this year. He was serious when he said, “I gotta change the narrative“.
Recovering from the worst season he ever had has not been easy. But his resilience and desire to perform are reflected firstly in his appearance – slimmer and fitter. Secondly, his swing has been a revelation, especially after his recent breathtaking power-hitting display. A whopping, “116 MPH OFF THE BAT”.
Giancarlo Stanton Displaying a Statistical Metamorphosis
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Stanton’s spring training has culminated in a pleasant surprise. He’s hitting a robust .389, a significant jump from his career average of .272 according to Baseball Reference. But the most impressive change is seen in his newly developed ability to hit the ball to all fields. Traditionally, Stanton has been a notorious pull hitter, with a career 42.2% pull rate according to FanGraphs. This spring, he’s showcased a remarkable shift, with a more balanced approach which witnesses him hitting line drives and displaying surprising opposite-field power. While this already looks promising, there’s more.
116 MPH OFF THE BAT OF GIANCARLO STANTON pic.twitter.com/CnLqlr1Bz2
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 16, 2024
The 34-year-old’s strikeout rate, which has been a chronic issue throughout his tenure (averaging over 30% per season), has dipped significantly this spring. Early reports indicate a more well curated approach at the plate, as the righty lays off pitches outside the zone. Moreover, he shows a willingness to work on counts. These patterns of improvement seem to project an encouraging regular season.
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Statisticians are infatuated at the prospect of a ‘launch angle Stanton’. Looking at his recent records it makes sense to envision a hitter who can crush fastballs. Additionally even, elevate pitches for home runs and line drives. Advanced metrics suggested that Stanton’s power in conjunction with a more optimized launch angle, it would propel him into an elite category. Meanwhile, folks are not done talking about the well-rounded Stanton this season.
The Bronx Bombers Take Flight: A Nightmarish Scenario for Pitchers
Stanton’s transformation is a gift to the Yankees’. The Yanks which already boast a potent lineup with Aaron Judge and Anthony Rizzo the Bronx Bombers could encompass a three-headed monster with Giancarlo in the mix. The possibility of the 5x All-Star hitting behind Judge and Rizzo, propelling pitchers to make agonizing choices between three potential MVP candidates, would pose as a nightmare for opposing teams.
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While the projections of Stanton’s 2024 are encouraging, there are still unknowns. Questions arise – Can Stanton maintain this newly developed discipline throughout a hectic 162-game season? How does he plan on adjusting to in-game pitching and the inevitable slumps? Perhaps, for starters, Spring Training will answer these. The 2x Silver Slugger is clearly on a mission and while you follow the spring training, tune into ES Fancast for live updates and streams.
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