MLB Trends: Roki Sasaki's Unsteady Fastball, Jordan Walker's Evolving Defense, and Home Advantage Insights
As the MLB season progresses, Roki Sasaki's struggles with his fastball and Jordan Walker's defensive growth are highlighted alongside the benefits teams are seeing at home.
MLB Trends: Roki Sasaki’s Unsteady Fastball, Jordan Walker’s Evolving Defense, and Home Advantage Insights
As the 2025 MLB regular season settles in, the game’s dynamics are starting to take shape. Only Aaron Judge remains above .400 this early in the season, and only a few pitchers boast an ERA below 2.00. Teams that started sluggishly are beginning to find their footing, while those that began strong are experiencing a reality check. Here are three trends to monitor as May unfolds.
Sasaki’s Unstable Fastball
In a recent game, Roki Sasaki of the Los Angeles Dodgers secured his first MLB victory, delivering a decent performance but showing some weaknesses. In five innings, he allowed three runs along with six hits and two walks, striking out four batters. The offense supported him with ten runs, helping the 23-year-old pitcher achieve his first major league win.
“Just really relieved and happy,” Sasaki expressed through an interpreter regarding his victory. “I’m just relieved that I was able to do what I was supposed to do as a starting pitcher.”
In his seven starts since joining the Dodgers, Sasaki has a 3.86 ERA but has also given up more than a run per inning, struggling with walks. His fastball, despite impressive radar readings, is underperforming compared to its potential.
Walker’s Defensive Progress
The St. Louis Cardinals are hopeful for Jordan Walker, a previously celebrated prospect, to find his offensive rhythm. Currently, he holds a low batting average around .198, signaling disappointing numbers. However, his defensive metrics show notable improvement. Transitioning from third base to outfield has initially been challenging, but Walker’s skills are maturing, making him a more reliable player defensively.
Home Field Advantages in 2025
Statistically, home teams have achieved an impressive .583 winning percentage so far, far exceeding previous seasons. With the Dodgers, Padres, Tigers, and Mets showing particularly strong home court records, there’s speculation if this trend will continue as the season develops. As baseball often tends to level out, only time will reveal if home field continues to provide such a distinct advantage.
