The Hidden Secret Behind Corbin Carroll's Power Surge
How a subtle swing adjustment has unlocked the Diamondbacks outfielder's power potential
The Hidden Secret Behind Corbin Carroll's Power Surge
How a subtle swing adjustment has unlocked the Diamondbacks outfielder's power potential
When Corbin Carroll started crushing baseballs in June after a relatively quiet start to the season, most observers simply credited the young star's natural adjustment to big league pitching. But a closer look at the Statcast data reveals something more specific: a calculated mechanical change that has dramatically improved his ability to drive the ball.
The Numbers Don't Lie
Through May 15th, Carroll was slashing a respectable .265/.342/.410, but with just 4 home runs in 39 games. Since then? He's hit .288/.375/.525 with 12 home runs in 45 games - nearly tripling his home run rate.
What changed? Let's dive into the Statcast 2024 metrics:
Here is a visual comparison of the performance metrics before and after May 15:
The chart shows a clear increase across all categories:
Avg. Exit Velocity rose by +3.7 mph
Barrel % improved by +4.4%
Launch Angle increased by +3.5°
Hard Hit % jumped the most, by +12.7%
The Mechanical Adjustment
Comparing Carroll's stance and swing from April to his recent at-bats reveals a subtle but significant change. Carroll has:
Lowered his hands approximately two inches
Increased his hip hinge by 5 degrees
Added a slightly more pronounced leg kick
The result? A more direct path to the ball and improved leverage.
"I've been working on staying through the ball better," Carroll told me during batting practice. "It wasn't a major overhaul, just small adjustments that have helped me catch the ball out front more consistently."
Diamondbacks hitting coach Joe Mather noted: "Corbin's always been coachable. We identified some opportunities in his swing path, and he's implemented the changes seamlessly."
The Impact on Pitch Selection
Perhaps the most interesting development is how this mechanical adjustment has changed Carroll's effectiveness against specific pitch types.
Carroll's slugging percentage against breaking balls has jumped from .341 before May 15 to .487 since - a staggering 146-point improvement. His whiff rate against these pitches has dropped from 28.7% to 22.3%.
What This Means for the Diamondbacks
With Carroll's power surge coinciding with Ketel Marte's consistent production, the Diamondbacks suddenly have one of the most dangerous 1-2 punches in the National League. As the team pushes ahead in the regular season, Carroll's adjustment might prove to be the difference-maker in their quest for playoff hopes.
For other young hitters struggling to tap into their power potential, Carroll's subtle adjustments provide a blueprint: sometimes the biggest improvements come from the smallest changes.
Data source: Baseball Savant