Has batting average become underrated?

Batting average across MLB has fallen sharply, with more qualified hitters below .200 than above .300. The change is notable compared with 1996, when there were far more hitters batting .300 or better. In 1996, the lowest qualified batting average belonged to Delino DeShields at .224, which was nine points higher than the next lowest qualified hitter. Batting average has been treated as less important in recent decades, but the current distribution suggests the emphasis may have shifted too far. The situation raises questions about whether MLB should consider rule changes in the next CBA to encourage contact and improve hitting outcomes.

"Batting average has correctly been minimized in importance over the last couple of decades, but Dear Lord has the pendulum swung too far in the other direction (and this is coming from a full blown nerd!). So what do you think OTM? With more guys hitting under .200 than over .300, does MLB need to make rule changes in the next CBA to incentivize contact?"

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