2026 MLB Thread

[wadesworld]

The Brewers stink, but at least we aren't paying MVPete over $100MM.

In 67 games since Aug. 2 of last season, Crow-Armstrong is slashing .195/.243/.290. The underlying metrics are even uglier.
Over that span, he's posted a wRC+ of 47, the worst mark in baseball among the 149 hitters who qualify. Rockies outfielder Jordan Beck is next at 55. His .270 xwOBA ranks 145th, while his actual wOBA (.234) is also dead last. His .095 isolated power, a measure of raw power output, ranks 135th in MLB, while his .246 BABIP is 130th.
Crow-Armstrong's approach seems to be at the heart of his decline. His 4.4% walk rate ranks 140th, well below the average of roughly 9%. And he's been worth -15.9 runs above average according to Fangraphs, by far the worst mark in baseball. That's a remarkable reversal of fortune after he burst onto the scene last year.
Crow-Armstrong has always been a free swinger, but that tendency has now reached an extreme level. In 2025, he chased 41.4% of pitches outside the strike zone. This season, that number has jumped to 49.2%, putting him in the first percentile of chase rate league-wide. The league average is generally around 30%, a gap that helps explain his struggles. And that's only part of it.
Crow-Armstrong swung at 80.4% of pitches he saw in the strike zone in 2025. This season, that has dropped to 70.9%. He is chasing more pitches off the plate while being less aggressive on the ones he should be attacking. His strikeout rate has risen from 23.1% in his first 107 games of 2025 to 27.0% since then, and is up to 30.1% this season.

[Uncle Rico]

The Brewers stink, but at least we aren't paying MVPete over $100MM.

I still think this is the year he catches a fly ball a 100' over his head.  I believe in him

[BM1090]

The Brewers stink, but at least we aren't paying MVPete over $100MM.

I don't think they stink, I think they're missing 3 of the best five hitters.

Bullpen needs to pitch a lot better though.

[Uncle Rico]

I don't think they stink, I think they're missing 3 of the best five hitters.

Bullpen needs to pitch a lot better though.

Lost velocity from Megill and Uribe is a problem.  I know Uribe closed the door last night but long term, I think it's wishful thinking unless that velocity returns.

Farm system depth will be helpful as they possibly look for arms out of the pen.

[BM1090]

Lost velocity from Megill and Uribe is a problem.  I know Uribe closed the door last night but long term, I think it's wishful thinking unless that velocity returns.

Farm system depth will be helpful as they possibly look for arms out of the pen.

Agree. Last year they had a few guys tick up in velocity as the season went on. Hoping it's the same this year. Neither are at an age that they *should* be losing velocity, especially Uribe.

[tower912]

Tigers back to .500 despite getting nothing from Greene, Carpenter, and Torkelson.   Eventually, the offense has to carry its share.

Since Valdez got torched for a 6 run first inning on April 8, over the course 6 games and 8 innings, Tigers pitchers have allowed a total of 10 runs.   Saving Detroit's bacon.

[cheebs09]

Hoping the Brew Crew can tread water until their hitters come back in May. The bullpen is definitely a concern early on though.

[MU82]

The Dodgers and Mets convened next to Robinson's statue before their game, as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the players. "You look at New York, you look at Los Angeles, probably the two most diverse cities in the world. Jackie would look back and be very proud that the guys that are suiting up tonight reflect his dream, his vision on what equality, unity look like."

Too woke, sure, but still very well-said.

[Uncle Rico]

The Dodgers and Mets convened next to Robinson's statue before their game, as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the players. "You look at New York, you look at Los Angeles, probably the two most diverse cities in the world. Jackie would look back and be very proud that the guys that are suiting up tonight reflect his dream, his vision on what equality, unity look like."

Too woke, sure, but still very well-said.

And then they were mugged and shot

[MU82]

And then they were mugged and shot

By trans immigrants.

[CreightonWarrior]

The Brewers stink, but at least we aren't paying MVPete over $100MM.

They don't pay him for this batting, they pay him because no HR is safe when he's out there.

[Uncle Rico]

Will Aaron Ashby win 30 games?

[wadesworld]

Jim Wilkonson has to be working as a consultant for the Brewers at this point.

Hilltoppers will know.

[tower912]

Tower jinx.


But the bats came through.

[Pakuni]

RIP Garrett Anderson.

[Uncle Rico]

RIP Garrett Anderson.

I'd pay to watch him, but not Scott Rolen.  53 is way too young.

[BrewCity83]

Lost velocity from Megill and Uribe is a problem.  I know Uribe closed the door last night but long term, I think it's wishful thinking unless that velocity returns.

Megill's average fastball this April so far is 97.7 mph, the exact same as his average speed from last April.  Expect that to build up as it did last season.

[Uncle Rico]

Megill's average fastball this April so far is 97.7 mph, the exact same as his average speed from last April.  Expect that to build up as it did last season.

I'm going off what the beat writer has been writing.  Yesterday was encouraging.