All-Star hitters increasingly skip traditional on-field batting practice, favoring individualized routines built around video, analytics and pitching machines that mimic specific opponents.
94.8-mph average four-seam velocity and a broader mix of sweepers, splitters and other movement-heavy pitches have shrunk reaction time and pushed hitters toward more game-specific preparation.
Trajekt machines — leased for $500,000 over three years — emerged as the preferred tool for many players because they replicate release point, spin and pitch shape, though several hitters still rely on flips or simpler machines.
Road teams still face a gap because Trajekt setups are generally home-only and not portable, leaving hitters to lean more on video and scouting when away from their own parks.
League-wide offense underscores the shift: MLB batting average was .244 at this year’s break, and the five lowest first-half averages since the DH began in 1973 have all come in the past five seasons.