Better Eyesight Has Helped Nick Allen At The Plate
1 week agoAtlanta Braves infielder Nick Allen, who has taken over primary shortstop duties from Orlando Arcia early in 2025, credits his improvements on offense this year due to better eyesight. Arcia ranked last among qualified shortstops in wins above replacement (0.8) and wRC+ (72) in 2024. Allen had a .537 OPS in 760 plate appearances for the Athletics from 2022-24, but he started wearing goggles this year to battle an astigmatism that affected his vision, mainly during night games. Along with a drop in offensive production since the All-Star break in 2023, Arcia seems to have lost some range on defense. The 26-year-old Allen entered Tuesday's game hitting .278 (5-for-18) with a double, RBI and two steals in five games played. While it's nothing to write home about, and he's not going to provide much power at all, it's notable for those in NL-only leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman

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