MLB hitters are constantly learning about their craft.
It’s important to absorb as much hitting knowledge as possible, not just about the science of batting per se, but about themselves.
Not everything works for every hitter, so they need to find the right mechanics.
For the New York Yankees’ Josh Donaldson, the road to prove that 2022 was more of a fluke than sharp decline will be long.
He thinks it’s possible, though, and has worked hard to find the best version of his own swing.
Last year, he had a poor .682 OPS, down from a solid .827 mark in 2021 with the Minnesota Twins.
He is determined to improve his offensive output, so he made some modifications to his leg kick and batting stance.
Twitter user @FrankiesTwoLoud identified a change in his mechanics that could have an impact in his season.
“Josh Donaldson has shortened his leg kick so it’s more direct and is standing more upright in the box,” he tweeted.
Josh Donaldson has shortened his leg kick so it’s more direct and is standing more upright in the box pic.twitter.com/e0IoK390qr
— 𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐊𝐈𝐄 (@FrankiesTwoLoud) March 21, 2023
The changes are subtle, but very much noticeable.
Sometimes, in hitting, simplicity works best.
A swing with a huge leg kick, or a very crouched stance, can often become distracting factors.
In this case, Donaldson looks more prepared to hit the ball hard.
He certainly did so on Tuesday, with two home runs in the same spring training game.
His spring OPS is up to .862 as he gets into a groove.
Can he regain his 2021 form?
It remains to be seen, but he is at least trying to change things up a bit.
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