Bo Jackson critiques the modern MLB's focus on home runs at the expense of batting averages, highlighting how players are compensated heavily for low averages as long as they can hit for power.
Bo Jackson, the former MLB All-Star, expressed his disapproval of the current trend in Major League Baseball (MLB) where players prioritize hitting home runs over maintaining a respectable batting average. During a recent appearance on the podcast 'Green Light with Chris Long,' Jackson highlighted that the emphasis on power hitting has led many players to achieve lucrative contracts despite having low batting averages. He noted that the simple approach of trying to hit home runs or striking out has become the norm, indicating a departure from more traditional batting strategies that valued consistency and contact hitting.
Jackson pointed out specific examples of players who exemplify this trend, such as Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies. Despite batting .240 last season, Schwarber managed to hit 56 home runs, which earned him a second-place finish in the National League MVP voting and a massive five-year, $150 million contract. This case illustrates Jackson's argument that the ability to hit for power has overshadowed the importance of a strong batting average, which was once a crucial metric for player evaluation and success in MLB.
The implications of this shift are significant, as it not only alters the fabric of how the game is played but also changes the expectations of aspiring players and the strategies employed by teams. Jackson’s critique raises questions about the long-term effects of this shift on the sport, including potential impacts on player development, fan engagement, and the overall enjoyment of the game, as traditional metrics and strategies become secondary to the pursuit of home runs.
