Strikeouts and home runs are the name of the game in the Major League Baseball today.
The number of strikeouts by batters has gotten outrageously high in recent history, which can be attributed to a number of factors.
With the number of strikeouts being so high, it makes fans appreciate when an old-school contact hitter comes around.
According to MLB reporter Sarah Langs, Luis Arraez had his streak of plate appearances without striking out snapped on Monday.
longest streaks of consecutive PA without striking out, last 40 seasons:
1995 Tony Gwynn: 170
1987 Ken Oberkfell: 157
2004 Juan Pierre: 147
2001 Juan Pierre: 143
2024 Luis Arraez: 141
1995-96 Tony Gwynn: 141h/t @EliasSports https://t.co/6pZ9UIv9UB
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) September 17, 2024
Arraez had his streak of 141 plate appearances without a strikeout snapped when he struck out swinging against Houston Astros pitcher Spencer Arrighetti.
This streak was the longest since 2001 and most fans are probably not surprised by the player to do so.
Since coming into the league in 2019 with the Minnesota Twins, Arraez has been known for his bat-to-ball skills and avoiding the strikeout.
Arraez has never struck out 50 times in a season with his most strikeouts being 48 back in 2021.
By avoiding the strikeout, Arraez was able to win himself the National League batting title in 2023 where he batted .354 on the season.
In 2024, Arraez is batting a .323 with 4 home runs and 43 runs batted in.
With avoiding the strikeout, Arraez does give up some power as he has only hit double-digit home runs once in his career in 2023.
His style of play may not be flashy, but Arraez will make any team he is on better with his contact skills.
The San Diego Padres will look to their star leadoff hitter as they look forward to the 2024 postseason.
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