Doubles and triples are dwindling in MLB. Blame better outfielders and sluggers

Associated Press (AP)CenterEN 5 min read 100% complete by By JAY COHENMarch 5, 2026 at 04:23 PM

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long article 5 min

The number of doubles and triples in Major League Baseball (MLB) has been declining over the past few years. According to data from 2024 and 2025, the total number of doubles decreased from 8,254 to 7,771, while the total number of triples dropped from 1,354 to 1,245. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts attributes this decline to players focusing on exit velocity and launch angle, which makes it less likely for balls to be hit into the gaps or down the lines. This shift in strategy is also reflected in the increase in singles and home runs. The decline of doubles and triples has been observed across MLB teams during the 2024-2025 season.

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Washington Nationals ×260% Miami Marlins 60% Toronto Blue Jays ×260% New York Yankees 60% Los Angeles Dodgers 60% Nolan Arenado 70% Christian Franklin ×270% Dave Roberts ×270% Maximo Acosta 70% Daulton Varsho 70% Will Warren 70% Carlos Febles 70%

Keywords

doubles and triples 80% sluggers 70% outfielders 70% exit velocity 60% launch angle 50%

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Associated Press (AP)

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doubles and triples sluggers outfielders exit velocity launch angle

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