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Chicago Cubs: Addison Russell’s Improvement at the Plate

By Matthew Squires

Apr 19, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell (27) hits a walk-off three run homer against the Milwaukee Brewers during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. The Cubs won 7-4. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell (27) hits a walk-off three run homer against the Milwaukee Brewers during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. The Cubs won 7-4. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell showcased his talents in his second year and he is becoming more consistent in the early part of 2017.

Last season, Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell was a second-year All-Star who smashed 21 home runs and drove in 95 runs. However, he did finish the season with a .238 batting average. Granted, batting average is not a statistic that makes or breaks a hitter, but a good approach often leads to a higher batting average. And that is the case so far in 2017.

Russell has simplified his approach. As you can see from the GIF, Russell changed his timing mechanism to a simple leg kick instead of multiple toe taps. Also, he lowered his hands. 

Russell’s average is at a very acceptable .269 with two homers and 14 runs batted it so far in 2017.

Let’s look deeper into the numbers as to why he is becoming a more consistent hitter.

Russell’s strikeout rate is a 17.2% which is way down from 22.6% in 2016. Fewer strikeouts mean he is putting the ball in play more often.

The most significant improvement Addison Russell had made is his plate discipline. So far in 2017, his O-Swing% (percentage of pitches swung at that are out of the strike zone) is down to 23.5% compared to 31.6% in 2016. He is swinging at pitches in the zone that he can hit hard.

Russell’s line drive percentage is similar to last year and his flyball percentage is higher than last year. Meanwhile, his ground ball percentage is way down to 36.8% compared to 41.2% last year. Russell’s teammate, Kris Bryant, has shown it is better to hit the ball in the air than on the ground.

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Russell will most likely be overshadowed as a batter considering he is in a lineup with Chicago Cubs superstars like Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Schwarber. However, Russell’s continued improvement will help him become a mainstay in the fifth spot in the order.

Russell is a gold glove caliber shortstop and if his bat catches up, he could quickly become a top shortstop in Major League Baseball. 

Statistics are courtesy of Fangraphs and are updated through April 30th.  

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