The world of baseball is witnessing a significant shift in how players and teams value certain statistics. Batting average, once a marquee stat, is taking a backseat to OPS and power numbers.
Andrew Benintendi, a veteran player, has noticed this change firsthand. He began his MLB journey in 2016 with a focus on batting average, achieving a solid .312 in the minors. However, as he enters his fourth season with the Chicago White Sox, his priorities have shifted. He's now more concerned with his OPS and home run stats.
"The game kind of changes where the money is," Benintendi observes. And indeed, the free agency of Luis Arraez this past winter highlights this evolving landscape.
Arraez, a three-time batting champion, had a career-low .292 average last season with San Diego, along with eight homers and 61 RBIs. Despite his impressive .317 career average, Arraez found himself on the market until just before spring training, eventually signing a one-year deal with the San Francisco Giants.
But here's where it gets controversial: Arraez's defensive limitations and lack of power hitting didn't seem to align with his impressive average. This raises the question: In today's game, is batting average still the golden ticket to a lucrative contract?
The MLB-wide batting average has remained relatively stable since 2020, with 2023 seeing a .248 average and 2024 a .243. However, the number of qualified big leaguers hitting .300 or better has decreased, with just seven achieving this feat in 2025, matching the previous year's record low of six in 1968.
Chris Young, the president of baseball operations for the Texas Rangers, explains: "We look at more advanced metrics and expected outcomes based on the quality of the at-bat. Batting average is a preliminary indicator, but we dig deep to understand a player's profile and predict their performance."
Jed Hoyer, the president of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs, agrees: "Batting average is not our starting point for evaluation. There are many more important factors, but in a world that values strikeouts and incredible pitching, players who can truly put the ball in play at an elite level still have value."
Nico Hoerner, who hit .297 for the Cubs last year, is a prime example. He believes players still take pride in their batting average, even if it's not the primary focus. "Players are aware of what's valued and what gets them on the field," Hoerner said. "Batting average reflects the quality of contact they make."
This shift in focus has impacted players like Benintendi, who has increased his home run average significantly since 2016. "OPS outweighs batting average now," he said. "It's about the slug."
The future of batting average lies with the game's youngest players, and it still holds some allure. Sal Stewart, a Cincinnati infielder and NL Rookie of the Year favorite, hit .309 in the minors last year. While batting average wasn't a primary focus during his development, it's something he values. "I look into it," Stewart said. "But I really like on-base the most."
So, is batting average still king? Or has the game evolved to prioritize other stats? What do you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
