His average velo of 97 mph was lower than we’re accustomed to seeing - he averaged less in only two of his 33 regular season starts last year. Gerrit Cole was great, generating whiffs on 17.9 percent of his pitches en route to striking out 11. Gerrit Cole’s Average Four-Seam Velocity: 97 mph So his 113.2 mph groundball single today - despite its less-than-ideal launch angle, it was easily the hardest-hit ball in the game - was a great sign that Stanton is healthy and ready to rebound. Among 130 batted balls, he hit just 12 harder than 113.2 mph. After July began, Stanton’s median exit velo was 96.5 (including the playoffs). Among those 157 batted balls, 28 were hit harder than 113.2 mph. Before July, across 157 batted balls, Stanton’s median exit velocity was 98.2. This isn’t surprising given the injuries to his stride leg, which typically generates the force necessary for Stanton’s trademark rotational power. The dropoff was especially pronounced in his exit velocity numbers. Even after returning, he was a shell of himself, mustering just an 83 wRC+ over his last 124 regular season plate appearances.

However, he started dealing with a bout of Achilles tendinitis right around that time, limping through July before taking most of August off. Had the season ended there, that mark would’ve been his second-best as a Yankee (behind only a 23-game 2020 showing).

Stanton started off last season on a tear, with a 141 wRC+ through the end of June. Giancarlo Stanton’s Max Exit Velocity: 113.2 mph Let’s look under the hood, focusing on three numbers in particular.

However, if anything from one game were to move the needle, it would be the metrics underlying the club’s performance. So, while I feel pretty good about how the Yankees performed in their first game of the regular season, it’s not going to immediately nullify all of my preseason expectations. If you’re anything like me, you spent all offseason prognosticating about the season to come. On the offensive side, hitters chipped in up and down the lineup, and the loudest contribution came from newly-minted captain and $360 million man Aaron Judge, who homered to straightaway center. For a pitching staff beleaguered by spring injuries, a lot went right: a sharp three innings from the bullpen sealed the win for the club’s sole remaining ace, Gerrit Cole, who struck out 11 in six shutout. The Yankees won handily, 5-0, on Opening Day.

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