BATTERS: Swinging strike rates
Jan 20 2023
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% (and...
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
Today's post explores a TOR and a TEX hitter each moving up in the batting order, thereby enhancing their value. Plus, a rookie catcher has been hitting cleanup for BOS.
Jun 13 2025 3:06am
Jun 13 2025 3:06am
Brett Baty and Andrew Benintendi may be on the verge of power spikes.
Jun 10 2025 3:07am
Jun 10 2025 3:07am
Paul Goldschmidt's resurgence has been driven by elite stats and skills against lefty arms.
Jun 9 2025 3:09am
Jun 9 2025 3:09am
Miguel Vargas' combination of contact and exit velocity made May a big growth month for him.
FREE
Jun 2 2025 3:05am
FREE
Jun 2 2025 3:05am
Jesús Sánchez and Agustín Ramírez have been splitting time at leadoff for Miami. Also, Miguel Vargas has parlayed a hot streak into batting third for the White Sox.
May 30 2025 3:07am
May 30 2025 3:07am
