Nico Hoerner Finding Success by Adjusting Approach at the Plate
When Nico Hoerner is in top form, he’s hitting the ball with authority, often driving it into the gaps. However, during the month of July, Hoerner struggled to find his groove at the plate. He had a low line-drive rate of just 2.5 percent and a high strikeout rate of 27.2 percent. These numbers were a far cry from his career averages and raised concerns about his performance.
Hitting coach Dustin Kelly acknowledged that Hoerner had set such high expectations for himself with his previous performances that his struggles seemed magnified. However, upon closer observation, Kelly noticed that Hoerner’s approach and mechanics remained consistent. The only difference was that he had started swinging more and deviated from his usual approach.
Fortunately, Hoerner was able to turn things around in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays. He consistently hit the ball hard and in the air, resulting in two hits, including a solo home run. Since his rough stretch in early July, Hoerner has increased his line-drive rate to 21.6 percent.
Hoerner attributes his recent success to keeping things simple and having conviction in his approach at the plate. He has been able to pull the ball in the air more frequently, which has led to positive outcomes. While he acknowledges that pulling the ball in the air is a valuable skill in baseball, he also recognizes that it’s not his primary strength. Nevertheless, he believes that taking calculated chances can elevate his offensive game.
Kelly supports Hoerner’s approach and emphasizes that they have never instructed him to focus on hitting for power. Instead, they encourage him to stick to his game plan of hitting line drives up the middle. However, as Hoerner gains more experience and understanding of his abilities, it makes sense for him to take advantage of favorable matchups and seize opportunities to drive the ball with more power.
Hoerner’s recent success at the plate is evident in his improved wRC+ since July 18. He has posted a 140 wRC+, indicating that he has been a significantly above-average offensive player during this period. While he may not transform into a power hitter, Hoerner’s increased power can add value to his overall game.
With his ninth home run of the season, Hoerner is just one home run away from matching his career high. His isolated power (ISO) has also improved to .124, although it still falls below the league average. In his last 22 games, his ISO has risen to .194, showing a positive trend. It will be interesting to see if Hoerner can continue to build upon this and potentially reach 15 home runs for the season. Despite his average offensive numbers, Hoerner’s exceptional defense at second base already makes him a valuable player.
In conclusion, Nico Hoerner has made adjustments to his approach at the plate, leading to improved performance. While power hitting may not be his forte, Hoerner has found success by taking calculated chances and driving the ball with more authority. His recent surge in power has added value to his overall game, making him an even more valuable asset to the team. As Hoerner continues to mature as a hitter, it will be exciting to see how he further develops his offensive skills.