HR hitters dominated MLB 2017. This year it’s the pitchers.
MLB 2017 was the “Year of the Home Run”–6,105 were hit–across both leagues. Two players stood out. Yankees’ rookie, Aaron Judge, became the face of the American League by slugging a whopping 52 home runs. In the National League, Marlins’ superstar Giancarlo Stanton matched Judge and more–hitting 59 home runs.
Courtesy: NY Post
When the Yankees acquired Stanton last December, baseball fans across America expected more of the same. 2018 would also be “The Year of the Home Run.”
But wait a minute!
While we’ve always known that power hitters strike out a lot, the curious thing about the 2018 season is that players of all stripes are striking out, including those who hit for contact and play small ball.
Starting pitchers are ruling the diamond.
Consider this. Gerrit Cole, Justin Verlander, and Max Scherzer each struck out at least 14 batters in single outings. It’s a historic feat when multiple pitchers have that much success in a small window of time.
And there’s more. Mariners’ pitcher, James Paxton, threw a shutout in 7 innings with 16 strikeouts during that span. That accomplishment places Paxton among MLB’s all-time best during “The Live Ball Era.” Paxton notched seven more K’s in Tuesday night’s no-hitter vs. the Jays.
And what about Shohei Ohtani? He has 14 RBI while going a 3-1 as a starter.
MLB 2018 has made a complete 180-degree shift from 2017 when power hitting dominated. This year, pitching is defining the landscape.
While strikeouts are the most intriguing stat, pitchers are doing even more. Six MLB starters have ERAs below 2.00 and nine players have ERAs of 2.00 or higher when it comes to WAR as a pitcher.
And it’s just May! That said–and unless things change–2018 is destined to be “The Year of the Pitcher.”
