Chas McCormick isn’t shy about admitting where his game was lacking last season: his struggles against right-handed pitchers and his difficulty dealing with sliders. However, McCormick is now demonstrating significant strides in both areas.
A Season of Transformation
McCormick“I sucked last year with offspeed, and I get a ton of sliders this year.”
Fast forward to now, and the narrative has changed. The center fielder has exhibited incredible progress this season, especially evident in his recent game where he hit two towering home runs off sliders from right-handed pitchers. This pivotal performance helped the Astros clinch a 3-2 victory over the Guardians.
This game was not just another in the season for McCormick. His stellar performance, which resulted in his OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) increasing to .922, made him the top-performing center fielder in the Major Leagues.
Alex Bregman, who performed impressively with 2-for-2 and two walks, said of McCormick, “He had an incredible month, he’s had an incredible season so far, and today he was huge for us driving in all three runs. He’s been a big difference-maker for our team.”
McCormick’s Journey: Key Moments and Figures
McCormick’s journey has seen a series of highs in his career. Notably, his performance at the plate in July was remarkable, with a slash line of .351/.440/.688. He began the year sharing time in the outfield with Jake Meyers and Corey Julks, but his performance has now set him apart.
Key moments in his journey include:
- A massive bases-clearing triple on July 2, establishing him as the clear choice for center field.
- His first double home run game of 2023, which came on July 16.
- An impressive six-RBI night on July 24 in a significant victory against Texas.
McCormick’s performance has mirrored the Astros’ recent surge. The team now shares the American League West lead with the Rangers, following a series sweep and a 12-6 record post the All-Star break.
A Look at McCormick’s Improvements
McCormick’s achievements this season can be attributed to his work on his shortcomings. In 2022, he recorded a .972 OPS against lefties and a .645 OPS against righties. This season, however, he shows a notable improvement with a 1.053 OPS against lefties and an .867 OPS against righties.
manager Dusty Baker“He’s learned how to hit the inside pitch, they were throwing Chas in, and now, he’s made some adjustments.”
McCormick’s proficiency against breaking balls has also been notable this year. He has always been a strong hitter against fastballs. Statcast’s run value metric, which assesses results on batted balls against specific pitches, ranks McCormick as the third-best four-seam fastball hitter in the Major Leagues.
A Look at the Numbers
Last year, McCormick’s batting average and slugging percentage against sliders were .119 and .179, respectively. This year, his figures have improved dramatically.
Here’s a comparison of his performance:
| Year | Batting Average | Slugging Percentage |
| 2022 | .119 | .179 |
| 2023 | .280 | .440 |
McCormick explains his improved performance against sliders:
“Just picking out, seeing a better sight. Making sure I’m looking for the right spot, so when a slider breaks down the plate or middle-away, I can put a good swing on it.”
The Road Ahead for McCormick
McCormick acknowledges there is more work to be done. However, he has established his place in center field after previously competing with Jose Siri and Meyers for the position.
Despite his name appearing in Trade Deadline rumors over the past couple of years, McCormick appears to be settling in, expressing relief and satisfaction at his current situation. He admits,
“The Deadline is crazy, but you can’t really control any of that. I don’t try to worry about [being traded] coming up to the Deadline, but it is tough, I’m not going to lie, coming into it a couple of days out. … But I’m happy to be here and I’m happy to stay.”
As McCormick continues to develop and refine his skills, he is increasingly making his mark as a significant player in the Major Leagues.
Chas McCormick: Off the Field
As much as McCormick has transformed his performance on the field, it’s important to highlight his personal journey as well. Chas McCormick, born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, is known for his strong work ethic and resilience. These traits, coupled with his undeniable talent, have helped him persevere through the highs and lows of his career.
From his high school days to his time at Millersville University, McCormick’s determination to improve and succeed has never wavered. Despite facing tough competition and daunting challenges, McCormick’s grit and passion for the game have allowed him to develop into the high-caliber player he is today. This hard-earned success is a testament to McCormick’s personal motto:
“Trust the process, and never stop learning.”
Future Prospects
The future looks promising for McCormick. His notable improvements against both lefties and righties, along with his refined hitting approach against sliders, indicate a player who is continuously growing and adapting. McCormick is setting new standards for himself and constantly exceeding them.
With the Astros’ management, teammates, and fans firmly behind him, McCormick is poised to make even more significant contributions to the team in the coming seasons. His career graph demonstrates that he is not just a player capable of hitting it big in a single season, but a consistent performer who can be counted on when the stakes are high. The journey ahead for Chas McCormick in Major League Baseball is indeed exciting and one to watch out for.
