WATCH: How PCA has been able to rake below the strike zone |
Tony Crumpton
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- 4 hours ago
Cliff Floyd and Lance Brozdowski break down how PCA has found success this season at the plate. Specifically, his ability to go outside the zone and deal damage to pitchers.
Watch the video below:
Video summary/cliff notes:
(00:17) Pete Crow-Armstrong (PCA) is tied for the most barrels below the strike zone in MLB, with all his barrels concentrated in a tight cluster just under the zone.
(00:46) Analysts describe him as a “low ball hitter” with a swing path and approach naturally geared toward low pitches—calling that area a "nitro zone" for lefties.
(01:18) His crouched stance, low center of gravity, and strong lower half allow him to stay on pitches below the zone and generate power.
(02:13) PCA is able to barrel balls to the opposite field with high exit velocity, suggesting advanced control and bat speed development.
(02:30) He’s letting pitches travel deeper before swinging—requiring and reflecting improved bat speed—transitioning from just making contact to doing real damage.
(03:36) PCA has learned to lay off high fastballs, recognizing them as a weak spot, which helps refine his plate discipline and focus on pitches he can drive.
(04:03) He demonstrates the ability to drive pitches both pulled and to the opposite field (“foul pole to foul pole”), staying back and balanced to maximize plate coverage.
(05:08) Pitchers previously exploited him with low offspeed stuff, but his ability to damage those now forces them to adjust, likely by trying to elevate pitches.
(05:23) He's reduced his vulnerabilities at the plate to essentially one hole (high fastballs), improving his chances for long-term success.
(05:42) His Triple-A performance is translating to the majors as he continues to simplify his approach: stay back, stay down, and hit the ball hard.
