From Mlb · · 1m 20s
Two hitters unlike anyone else in playoffs
Steven Kwan and Chandler Simpson dominate ALCS with unique batting styles.
In brief
Steven Kwan and Chandler Simpson dominate ALCS with unique batting styles. Steven Kwan and Chandler Simpson lead Guardians and Rays in ALCS with high batting averages despite low bat speeds and unconventional approaches. Originally reported by Mlb.
High batting averages in playoffs
Steven Kwan and Chandler Simpson lead MLB with .353 and .344 batting averages after All-Star break.
Low bat speeds but high success
Kwan swings at 62.4 mph, Simpson at 65.1 mph, both slower than league average of 72.1 mph.
Contact-focused hitting
Simpson has 10.8% swing-and-miss rate, Kwan 8.2% whiff rate, both lower than average.
Squared-up rate excellence
Kwan has highest squared-up rate per swing, Simpson ranks third behind Luis Arraez.
Ground ball specialists
Simpson hits ground balls with shortest average distance of 106 feet per hit.
Low attack angles
Simpson has 3-degree attack angle, lowest in baseball for ground ball swings.
Kwan's approach shift
Kwan moved from .212 to .353 batting average after bat speed program.
Opposite field strategy
Kwan's barrel moves to opposite field, increasing hit distance by 9 inches in October.
ALCS matchup
Guardians and Rays battle in American League Championship Series.
Unique hitting styles
Kwan and Simpson use unconventional approaches to succeed in playoffs.
The takeaway
Steven Kwan and Chandler Simpson lead Guardians and Rays in ALCS with high batting averages despite low bat speeds and unconventional approaches.
