Guardians’ Stephen Vogt Discusses How Team Is Improving Power Hitting
On Saturday, the Cleveland Guardians hosted their 2024 Guards Fest, giving fans and media alike a chance to interact with players and other members of the organization.
For Stephen Vogt, it was his first-ever Guards Fest as the team’s manager.
One item of discussion during his media availability was how his team has been working to improve its power at the plate.
“We’re working," Vogt said. "[Hitting Coach Chris Valaika] and the hitting group, we’re putting plans in place. They’ve put players on really good plans this winter, improving swing speed and swing decisions to swing at our pitches that we can do damage on. And really just putting emphasis on it.”
Last season, Cleveland excelled in plate discipline, finishing with the fewest strikeouts (1,142) and most intentional walks (40) in MLB. The team also ranked top-10 in the league in doubles (294, sixth), triples (29, tied for seventh), stolen bases (151, fifth), and sacrifice flies (44, tied for eighth).
Aug 23, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) hits a solo home run in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Progressive Field.
© David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
However, the Guardians had the fewest home runs (124) and lowest average exit velocity (87.5 miles per hour) in the league. They also ranked bottom-five in RBI (622, third-fewest), slugging percentage (.381, second-lowest), and OPS (.694, fourth-lowest).
But in terms of power, Cleveland will look for some returning bright spots to be the driving forces of its lineup this year. Third baseman José Ramírez, first baseman Josh Naylor, and second baseman Andrés Giménez each recorded at least 15 home runs and 62 RBI last season. Catcher Bo Naylor also had 11 home runs, 32 RBI, and an .803 OPS in just 67 games in 2023.
All in all, both the Guardians and their fans are hoping that the team’s offseason hitting regimen will lead to a stronger power performance this season.
