BATTERS: Swinging strike rates

Swinging strike rate (SwK%) has been a crucial component of our pitching toolbox for the last 10 years due to its ability to predict a pitcher's strikeout rate.

It seems intuitive that SwK% also would have a strong correlation with a batter's contact rate. After all, as a pitcher's strikeout rate increases, a batter's contact rate will head in the opposite direction.

The link between contact rate and batting average continues to be strong. Among hitters with seasons of 100+ plate appearances since 2018, batting average steadily increases as their contact rate increases:

The primary driver of a batter's contact rate is their SwK%. There is a pretty strong negative correlation between the two (r = -0.70), meaning as SwK% increases, ct%...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Batters

Buoyed by hot streaks, Lawrence Butler and Juan Yepez have moved up in their respective lineups.
Jul 26 2024 3:03am
Jhonkensy Noel's top-tier batted ball quality since being recalled from Triple-A makes him an intriguing power dart throw heading into the second half.
Jul 22 2024 3:06am
Corbin Carroll looked like a superstar in 2023, but 2024 has not been as kind. We dig into his plate skills.
FREE
Jul 16 2024 3:08am
Marcell Ozuna has been the game's top RBI producer during the last 12 months, and his 45 HR ranks 2nd over the same period.
Jul 15 2024 3:07am
Our latest Outlook features Colt Keith settling into the second spot, Jose Miranda hitting cleanup, and Arenado dropping in the batting order.
Jul 12 2024 3:03am

Tools