MLB Sees Decline in Doubles and Triples

Experts Blame Better Outfielders and Hitters' Focus on Power

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Major League Baseball has seen a decline in doubles and triples in recent years, with the number of these extra-base hits dropping from 8,254 in 2016 to 7,745 in 2022. Experts attribute this trend to a variety of factors, including defensive positioning, ballpark dimensions, and the evolution of hitters' approaches focused more on exit velocity and launch angle than gap-to-gap power.

Why it matters

The decline in doubles and triples means fewer of the exciting, crowd-pleasing moments when a player races to second or third base. However, it also reflects broader changes in the game, including a greater emphasis on power hitting and advanced defensive strategies that prioritize preventing extra-base hits.

The details

Outfielders are playing deeper to guard against extra-base hits, helped by data cards that detail hitters' tendencies. Ballpark dimensions have also played a role, with teams like the New York Mets, Detroit Tigers, and Kansas City Royals making changes to their stadiums to make them more hitter-friendly. Additionally, major league outfielders are more athletic than in the past, cutting down on balls that used to roll all the way to the wall.

  • In 2023, MLB made the bases bigger in an effort to create more action on the basepaths, leading to a temporary increase in doubles, triples, and stolen bases.
  • On May 23, 2022, Nolan Arenado recorded the highest exit velocity of his career, a 111.4 mph liner that was cut off by the center fielder for a single, when it likely would have been a double in previous years.

The players

Dave Roberts

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

Andrew Benintendi

Chicago White Sox outfielder, who believes the decline in doubles and triples is offset by an increase in home runs and stolen-base opportunities.

Nolan Arenado

Eight-time All-Star who was traded from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Arizona Diamondbacks, and who noticed the impact of defensive positioning on his extra-base hits.

Chris Young

Texas Rangers president of baseball operations, who pointed 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 also due to changes in ballpark dimensions, with teams bringing in fences to make their stadiums more hitter-friendly.

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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.”

— 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 or ballpark adjustments to try to increase the number of doubles and triples, though any such changes would likely have broader implications for the game.

The takeaway

The decline in doubles and triples reflects the evolving nature of baseball, with teams prioritizing power hitting and advanced defensive strategies over traditional gap-to-gap offense. While this may mean fewer of the exciting extra-base hit moments, it also highlights the sport's continued adaptation to changing player skills and analytical approaches.