MLB Sees Decline in Doubles and Triples as Outfielders Improve

Managers and players cite defensive positioning, ballpark dimensions, and better outfield defense as factors behind the drop in extra-base hits.

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 doubles dropping from 8,254 in 2016 to 7,745 in 2022, and triples declining from 873 in 2016 to 628 in 2022. Managers and players attribute this trend to improved defensive positioning by outfielders, who are playing deeper to guard against extra-base hits, as well as changes to ballpark dimensions that have made it more difficult to hit the ball into the gaps. Additionally, the evolution of defensive analytics and the increasing athleticism of outfielders have contributed to the decline in doubles and triples.

Why it matters

The decline in doubles and triples has implications for the overall excitement and action in baseball games, as these types of hits often create anticipation and drama as players race to extra bases. While home runs and stolen bases have become more popular with fans, the loss of these extra-base hits may be seen as a loss of a certain type of excitement and strategy in the game.

The details

Managers and players have noticed the trend, with Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggesting that players' focus on exit velocity and launch angle has led to more home runs at the expense of doubles and triples. Outfielders are also playing deeper to guard against extra-base hits, and ballpark dimensions have been adjusted in some cases to make it more difficult to hit the ball into the gaps. Additionally, the increasing athleticism of outfielders has made it harder for balls to roll all the way to the wall, leading to fewer extra-base hits.

  • In 2016, there were 8,254 doubles and 873 triples in MLB.
  • In 2022, the number of doubles dropped to 7,745 and triples declined to 628.
  • Major League Baseball made the bases bigger and changed some rules before the 2023 season in an effort to create more action on the basepaths, leading to a temporary increase in doubles, triples, and stolen bases that year.

The players

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who believes the focus on exit velocity and launch angle has led to more home runs at the expense of doubles and triples.

Nolan Arenado

An eight-time MLB All-Star who plays for the Arizona Diamondbacks, and who has noticed the impact of defensive positioning on extra-base hits.

Chris Young

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

Terry Francona

The manager of the Cincinnati Reds, who believes that changes to ballpark dimensions, such as bringing in the fences, have contributed to the decline in doubles and triples.

Nico Hoerner

The second baseman for the Chicago Cubs, who notes that the increasing athleticism of outfielders has made it harder for players to reach extra bases.

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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, Manager, Los Angeles Dodgers

“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, President of Baseball Operations, Texas Rangers

“Pitching is pretty good. I think maybe some of the outfields, they're bringing fences in. You don't hear anybody moving the fences back.”

— Terry Francona, Manager, Cincinnati Reds

“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, Second Baseman, Chicago Cubs

The takeaway

The decline in doubles and triples in MLB is a complex issue, with factors such as defensive positioning, ballpark dimensions, and the increasing athleticism of outfielders all playing a role. While the trend may reduce a certain type of excitement in the game, it also reflects the ongoing evolution of baseball strategy and the continued emphasis on power hitting and defensive excellence.