FanGraphs Weekly Mailbag: August 15, 2026

I made my first journey to Oracle Park earlier this week to catch the ultimate two video games of a three-game set between the Giants and Astros. I used to be in San Francisco reporting a distinct story, however I used to be keen discuss Yordan Alvarez together with his teammates, his opponents, and just about anyone else who was . I’ve lengthy in contrast him to Willie McCovey due to his overwhelming bodily stature and profile on the plate — it helps that Alvarez, like McCovey, additionally bats left-handed and wears no. 44 — and I thought of myself lucky to get to see the Astros DH play in San Francisco. I hoped I’d get to witness him launch one into McCovey Cove. That didn’t occur, nevertheless it was nonetheless enjoyable to look at him throughout what’s turning right into a profession yr.

One of many gamers I talked to about Alvarez was Houston outfielder Taylor Trammell. His response, to a query about what makes Alvarez so good, is price sharing. “He’s probably the most environment friendly participant I’ve ever seen,” Trammell stated. “He does precisely what he must do to get himself able to play nicely, after which does nothing extra. His preparation appears so easy as a result of he has a lot confidence in his routine. He’s shrunken all of it right into a field.” Trammell additionally bats left-handed, but he stated he can’t research Alvarez to determine what to do within the field as a result of “pitchers throw in another way to him. They throw him the pitches they don’t throw to anybody else simply to attempt one thing to get him out.” He stated Alvarez sees changeups from pitchers that he didn’t even know had changeups, and whereas which may’ve been a slight exaggeration, it labored to clarify the helplessness that opposing pitchers should really feel when Alvarez is within the field.

That’s the final we’ll talk about Alvarez right here right this moment, however if you wish to learn extra about his MVP-worthy season, I’d encourage you to take a look at Dan Szymborski’s submit from Monday breaking down Alvarez’s odds of successful the American League Triple Crown. As an alternative, on this week’s mailbag, we’re answering your questions on a pair of Cardinals pitchers who’re drastically outperforming their peripherals, whether or not robust plate self-discipline interprets to profitable ABS challenges, the ultimate franchise to (possibly) register a 100-loss season, and extra. However first, I’d wish to remind you that this mailbag is unique to FanGraphs Members. For those who aren’t but a Member and wish to preserve studying, you possibly can join a Membership right here. It’s one of the best ways to each expertise the location and help our employees, and it comes with a bunch of different nice advantages. Additionally, in case you’d wish to ask a query for an upcoming mailbag, ship me an e-mail at mailbag@fangraphs.com.