Josh Naylor’s Struggles: Why He’s Batting .000 for Mariners

Josh Naylor has not recorded a hit through his first three games with the Seattle Mariners. He is 0-for-11 at the plate and has drawn two walks.

Early-season line

One of those walks was intentional. Naylor has struck out twice in those plate appearances.

That combination leaves him with a batting .000 average so far. The small sample size makes early conclusions risky.

Batted-ball profile

Statcast recorded nine batted balls for Naylor during this stretch. Eight of those batted balls were grounders, and one was a line drive.

He pulled six of the nine balls in play. Those outcomes contrast with his career tendencies.

Career benchmarks vs. current readings

Naylor’s career groundball rate sits at 47.4 percent. His career pull rate is 42.0 percent.

He typically averages a 10.3-degree launch angle for his career. Over these games his average launch angle is -14.7 degrees.

What the numbers indicate

The data point toward a timing issue rather than an inability to make contact. His low strikeout total supports that view.

Hitting so many grounders and registering a negative launch angle explains the lack of hits. Regression toward his norms is likely as the season progresses.

Filmogaz.com will continue to monitor Naylor’s struggles and any adjustments he makes to improve his contact plane. The Mariners and fans will watch for an early turnaround.