As the Philadelphia Phillies prepare for the upcoming 2026 MLB season, concerns about their outfield lineup have emerged among fans. Relying on Justin Crawford, Adolis Garcia, and Brandon Marsh in a platoon is far from ideal, yet there is a silver lining regarding Marsh’s performance. Recent statistics highlight his offensive capabilities, showcasing him as one of the best hitters in Major League Baseball history, particularly in the context of the last 108 years.
According to data from Codify Baseball, Marsh boasts an impressive .371 batting average on balls in play (BABIP), a statistic that places him at the top of the list for the best BABIP in the last century. This puts him ahead of legends like Ty Cobb and Rogers Hornsby, who both have remarkable records themselves. Cobb, a Hall of Famer celebrated for his exceptional contact skills, has a BABIP of .369, which ties him with Hornsby for second place in this timeframe.
While Marsh’s current BABIP is extraordinary, it is essential to note that Cobb holds the all-time record with a career BABIP of .383. Nevertheless, Marsh’s performance indicates his potential; if he can improve his ability to put the ball in play, he could solidify his place among the elite hitters of the game.
Despite these impressive statistics, Marsh faces a significant challenge: a high strikeout rate. During the past season, he recorded 110 strikeouts, with annual totals of 154 and 144 in the previous two years. Since making his MLB debut in 2021, he has not finished a season with a strikeout rate below 25.9%. For perspective, Cobb’s highest strikeout percentage throughout his 24-year career was only 13.9%, highlighting a stark contrast in their abilities to make contact.
Marsh’s career sees him striking out 31.4% of the time while walking 9.3%. This statistic reveals that 40.7% of the time Marsh steps up to the plate, he does not put the ball in play, a concerning figure for any hitter. The disparity between his impressive BABIP and high strikeout rate suggests that if he can enhance his contact skills, he could achieve All-Star caliber seasons.
The outlook for Marsh remains optimistic. His high BABIP indicates that when he does make contact, he is one of the most effective hitters in baseball. Reducing his strikeout rate could lead to significant improvements in his overall performance. As the Phillies look to bolster their lineup, fans will be watching closely to see if Marsh can refine his approach at the plate and maximize his potential.
With the season ahead, the Phillies and their supporters hope that Marsh can harness his capabilities and contribute meaningfully to the team’s success, proving that even amidst concerns, there is room for growth and excellence in his game.
