This is really good and though-provoking. I agree that teams have additional incentive to play low-contact hitters, but I would also point out that the player development environment of the last decade plus has created more of those players than it has Myles Straws and Steven Kwans and thus they are more readily available. Where we differ in opinion is that it seems reasonable - to me - that the shift rules require more athletic fielders who are likely to profile differently at the plate as well. That change will take more time to appear, and if K-rates continue to rise they will obviate any incremental athletic benefit.
This is really good and though-provoking. I agree that teams have additional incentive to play low-contact hitters, but I would also point out that the player development environment of the last decade plus has created more of those players than it has Myles Straws and Steven Kwans and thus they are more readily available. Where we differ in opinion is that it seems reasonable - to me - that the shift rules require more athletic fielders who are likely to profile differently at the plate as well. That change will take more time to appear, and if K-rates continue to rise they will obviate any incremental athletic benefit.