The Rising Value of On Base Percentage

The goals of baseball have drastically changed in the past decade. Throughout much of baseball’s history, walks weren’t discouraged, but they were underrated. Some hitters used to dislike walks because it eliminated the possibility of a hit. Many managers, scouts and front office executives shared this sentiment and encouraged their players to swing freely.

However, in the age of analytics, general managers have since advised their coaches and players to do anything they can to get on base. Walks, formerly viewed as a secondary option, are now highly valued in the game. Players who can take four pitches are paid millions of dollars, even if they don’t get a hit in more than a quarter of their at bats. Following this line of thinking, pitchers who stay in the strike zone have seen their value jump a significant amount in recent years.

During this offseason, as young hitters take to the batting cage, coaches should talk to their players and use team websites to focus on pitch selectivity. These hitters should swing only at strikes and know the value of a walk. College recruiters and professional teams value few things more than high on base percentage.

Hamilton knows his offseason focus

Billy Hamilton, centerfielder for the Cincinnati Reds, is an electric player who can steal a base with his eyes closed. In his rookie season last year, he won the Rookie of the Month award in June after hitting .327 with a .348 on base percentage. However, he finished the season with an underwhelming .292 on base percentage, according to Fox Sports.

“A leadoff hitter should be focused on getting on base no matter what the situation,” Hamilton told the news outlet. “If you get on base your average is going to be really good. You can’t focus on your average, you’ve got to focus on getting on base. My main thing is getting on base however I can. If I can do that, whether if it comes with hits ,if it comes with walks, if it comes with anything else.”

Cubs sign good sources of OBP

The Chicago Cubs have made many key transactions in recent years under general manager Theo Epstein. On base percentage has been a constant factor with all of the moves on the offensive side of the plate. This explains the signing of outfielder Dexter Fowler, among others.

“Our biggest needs this offseason offensively were left handed hitters and guys who get on base,” Hoyer told the Daily Herald. “That’s been a focus for us. We acquired Tommy La Stella to give us some depth in the infield. He fits that role. Then we acquired Miguel Montero.”