Last year, for the Super 60, I highlighted the player’s Power, Contact, and Swing-Consistency profiles using their Blast Motion metrics. This year, I’m focusing on the four Blast Motion metrics I use the most in my player evaluations. Below are some small write-ups about each metric with the top performers from the 2024 Super 60 for each metric. 

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Bat Speed

Definition: Bat Speed measures the speed of the bat at impact.

We tend to evaluate a hitter's Bat Speed and physicality to get a current understanding and projection of their "Raw Power."

Bat Speed is a prerequisite for professional baseball. You need it to make a positive contribution to an MLB organization's roster.

NOTE: On average, we see a 10 MPH difference between a player's showcase batting practice and their in-game swings, with showcase batting practice obtaining the higher value. The MLB and D1 averages below are from swings replicating an in-game situation.

CONTEXT TO CONSIDER: Bat Speed readings also depend on the point of contact. The Bat Speed values will be higher if the point-of-contact is out in front (the barrel has more time to speed up). The values will be lower if the contact is deeper in the zone (the barrel has less time to speed up). This way, you can also understand where the hitter makes most of their contact.

+ MLB average: 72 mph
+ College (DI) average: 65 mph

Super 60 Average Bat Speed, Leaders:

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Rotational Acceleration

Definition: Rotational Acceleration measures how quickly the bat accelerates into the player's peak Bat Speed.

When we evaluate a hitter, their Rotational Acceleration values can highlight how efficient and dynamic a player can be at the plate. The higher the Rotational Acceleration, the later the hitter can decide to swing. And because players with higher RA can start their swing later, this makes them less vulnerable to those elite arsenals that entail 3+ pitches with elite movement coming out of the same tunnel. Therefore, having high Rotational Acceleration can significantly contribute to a player's bat-to-ball skills, the efficiency of their "raw power," and plate discipline.

Rotational Acceleration is less essential for success at the amateur level or even in lower parts of minor league baseball. Does it help? For sure, but most hitters at the amateur level aren't facing pitchers with three 60-grade-type pitches coming out of the same tunnel. Even first-round pitching prospects usually have to develop a quality 2nd or 3rd pitch when drafted. 

So, in amateur ball, a hitter can be the most dominant hitter in the country with just high Bat Speed and a good approach at the plate (which usually entails eliminating a pitch that doesn't land in the strike zone often). But that strategy will only work until you reach an environment where you can no longer eliminate pitches. You have to be dynamic and efficient enough to hit all 3 to 4 pitches in the opposing pitcher's arsenal. 

This is why Bat Speed is the prerequisite, but Rotational Acceleration tends to be the separator in pro ball. 

NOTE: We have seen significant above-average Bat Speed compensate for low Rotational Acceleration values for some players in pro ball. However, the swing-and-miss rate is still a risk; the compensation comes from how significant the production is when they do put balls in play (lots of XBHs).

+ MLB average: 17.2g
+ College (DI) average: 13.3g

Super 60 Average Rotational Acceleration, Leaders:

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On-Plane Efficiency

Definition: On-Plane Efficiency measures the percentage of the swing where the barrel is on the swing plane.

Every swing has its own swing plane, which is based on the Vertical Bat Angle at impact, which is when the Blast sensor then works backwards to identify the swing plane. A good On-Plane Efficiency suggests a higher percentage of quality contact (but only if the hitter has at least the Bat Speed to complement it; an even higher percentage if they have good Bat Speed and Rotational Acceleration).

Goal (at all levels): 70% or higher

Super 60 On-Plane Efficiency Average, Leaders:

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Early Connection

Definition: Early Connection measures the relationship between the player's body tilt and Vertical Bat Angle when the hitter initiates rotation.

A good Early Connection value suggests a nice, repeatable, and mature swing because it highlights that the hitter incorporates a loading mechanism that enables the bat to be in a similar position at the start of each swing. There are also strong correlations between hitters with good Early Connection having an On-plane Efficiency above 70%.

NOTE: In the past, we've usually preached for hitters to be as close to 90 degrees, on average, as possible, and although that is for sure the goal – I would also suggest providing a lot of attention to the Early Connection variance. We've found that players with a variance of around 25 degrees or lower find a lot of success with contact%, even if their average Early Connection is a little out of range (but only if they're producing quality Bat Speed and Rotational Acceleration values).

Another familiar way to describe a swing with good Early Connection values is "low-maintenance."

Goals (at all levels): 90 degrees

Super 60 Average Early-Connection, Standouts:

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