The 2025 MLB season is approaching its midpoint with teams gearing up for their 81st games soon. With the All-Star break and trade deadline on the horizon, it’s time to observe noteworthy trends. Here are three critical insights about players worth tracking:
Acuña’s Cautious Approach on the Bases
After returning from a second ACL tear last month, Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves showcases impressive hitting statistics, boasting a .392/.495/.696 batting line and seven home runs.
Despite his success at the plate, Acuña has exhibited a more conservative style on the bases compared to his 2023 performance, where he recorded 73 stolen bases. Following significant knee surgery, a cautious approach is expected as he adapts post-injury.
Change in Stolen-Base Rate
In a recent game against the Rockies, Acuña attempted a stolen base for the first time this season, marking a significant shift from his previous strategy.
| Year | Stolen-base Attempt Rate | Extra-base Taken Rate | Sprint Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 15.3% | 67% | 29.4 ft/s |
| 2022 | 19.1% | 76% | 28.5 ft/s |
| 2023 | 25.9% | 53% | 28.0 ft/s |
| 2024 | 18.6% | 57% | 27.7 ft/s |
| 2025 | 1.7% | 41% | 27.5 ft/s |
| MLB Avg | 7.1% | 40% | 27.0 ft/s |
Caminero’s Double Play Challenge
On a less favorable note, Junior Caminero of the Rays has grounded into an alarming 19 double plays, the most in the league. He needs to adjust his hitting approach as his current 47.7% ground ball rate exceeds the league average significantly.
No Significant Offensive Decline
Surprisingly, despite MLB acknowledging elevated drag on the baseballs affecting flight distance, overall offense remains steady. The league batting average is slightly up from last year, demonstrating resilience amidst these changes.
