MLB
8 MLB Hitters Who Are Racking Up Home Runs Despite a Ton of Ground Balls
Eric Hosmer puts the ball on the ground over half the time he makes contact, but that hasn't prevented him from posting consecutive seasons of 20-plus homers. Which other players are mashing despite hitting too many grounders?

Kendrys Morales, Toronto Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Kendrys Morales has already clinched his third consecutive campaign of 20-plus homers (and his sixth in eight years), but that's pretty much where the good vibes end for him.

In the first season of a three-year, $33 million deal with the Jays, he's currently on pace to have a wRC+ below 100 for just the second time since 2009, despite hitting 21 balls over the wall and posting a more than respectable .197 ISO. Although he's never been known to hit a ton of fly balls (he entered 2017 with a career 46.7% ground-ball rate and 34.7% fly-ball rate), it's gotten even worse since heading north of the border.

Through 463 plate appearances, he owns a 50.3% ground-ball rate and 31.7% fly-ball rate, which are on track to be his worst marks in these categories since 2012. His 49.3% swing rate is also on track to be its highest since 2012, while his 72.8% contact rate would be a career low if the season ended today.

He's been able to keep the power output up, but the rest of his offensive game is suffering along the way.

Prev Next

Related News

MLB Betting Guide for Friday 8/11/23: The Wrong Team Is Favored at Fenway Park

Austin Swaim  --  Aug 18th, 2017

3 MLB Player Prop Bets to Target on Friday 8/11/23

Thomas Vecchio  --  Aug 18th, 2017

MLB Betting Guide for Thursday 8/10/23: 3 Unders on a Slate with Dodgy Weather

Austin Swaim  --  Aug 18th, 2017