Doubles and Triples Decline in MLB as Outfielders, Sluggers Evolve

Defensive positioning and ballpark changes contribute to fewer extra-base hits

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The number of doubles and triples in Major League Baseball has been declining in recent years, with experts citing improved defensive positioning by outfielders, the rise of power hitters focused on launch angle and exit velocity, and changes to ballpark dimensions as contributing factors. While some see the decline as a loss of excitement, others argue it has led to more home runs and stolen base opportunities.

Why it matters

The drop in doubles and triples reflects broader changes in the game of baseball, with a greater emphasis on power hitting and defensive shifts. This shift in strategy and gameplay could impact the fan experience, the pace of the game, and the overall strategy employed by teams and players.

The details

Outfielders are playing deeper to guard against extra-base hits, using data cards to track hitters' tendencies. Ballparks have also been modified, with fences moved in at stadiums like Citi Field, Comerica Park, and Kauffman Stadium. Additionally, more athletic outfielders are cutting down on balls that would previously have rolled to the wall. Players like Nolan Arenado have noticed liners that would have been doubles in the past now being caught or limited to singles.

  • In 2016, there were 8,254 doubles and 873 triples in MLB.
  • In 2024, the numbers dropped to 7,771 doubles and 697 triples.
  • In 2025, doubles fell further to 7,745 and triples to 628.

The players

Dave Roberts

Los Angeles Dodgers manager, former major league outfielder who believes the decline in doubles and triples is due to players chasing exit velocity and launch angle.

Andrew Benintendi

Chicago White Sox outfielder who believes the decline in doubles and triples has led to more home runs and stolen base opportunities, which some fans may prefer.

Nolan Arenado

Eight-time MLB All-Star who was traded from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Arizona Diamondbacks in January 2026, and has noticed liners that would have been doubles in the past now being caught or limited to singles due to defensive positioning.

Chris Young

Texas Rangers president of baseball operations who points to the evolution of defensive alignment as a factor in the decline of doubles and triples.

Terry Francona

Cincinnati Reds manager who believes the decline in doubles and triples is partly due to ballparks bringing in their fences, with no teams moving fences back.

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What they’re saying

“I think that guys chase exit velocity and launch angle so that doesn't lend itself to balls in the gap or down the lines. So I think that's the whole crux for me.”

— Dave Roberts, Los Angeles Dodgers manager

“Yeah. Single. And you know a few years back that probably would have been just an automatic double.”

— Nolan Arenado

“Every team has their own model and I think does a really good job of positioning.”

— Chris Young, Texas Rangers president of baseball operations

“Now, if you are a negative defensively, you have to hit at such a ridiculously high level in order to be even a starting player. So there just aren't many players out there that are negatives defensively at this point.”

— Nico Hoerner, Chicago Cubs second baseman

What’s next

MLB may consider further rule changes, such as restrictions on outfield positioning, in an effort to increase doubles and triples and create more action on the basepaths.

The takeaway

The decline in doubles and triples reflects the evolving strategies and priorities in modern baseball, with a greater emphasis on power hitting and defensive positioning. While some fans may miss the excitement of extra-base hits, the changes have also led to more home runs and stolen base opportunities, appealing to a different segment of the fanbase.