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
This week's post focuses on Cam Smith and Colt Keith earning better spots in the batting order while Marcell Ozuna and Wyatt Langford will have to hit their way back into a prominent lineup spot.
Jul 11 2025 3:10am
Jul 11 2025 3:10am
Junior Caminero converted his former top-prospect pedigree into elite stats and emerging underlying skills in June.
Jul 7 2025 3:07am
Jul 7 2025 3:07am
Geraldo Perdomo has developed into one of the most impressive young bats in the game, and there's more growth to come.
Jun 30 2025 3:05am
Jun 30 2025 3:05am
Fantasy impacts with three teams using a new leadoff hitter, though the new third batter for St. Louis may be the biggest beneficiary of the lineup changes.
FREE
Jun 27 2025 3:10am
FREE
Jun 27 2025 3:10am
Juan Soto's up-and-down first half can be traced back to some significant struggles hitting with runners on base.
Jun 23 2025 3:06am
Jun 23 2025 3:06am
