Doubles and triples are dwindling in MLB. Blame better outfielders and sluggers.

[Auggie]

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — All those missing doubles and triples, well, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts thinks he knows where at least some of them went.

Over the fence.

“I think that guys chase exit velocity and launch angle so that doesn’t lend itself to balls in the gap or down the lines,” Roberts said. “So I think that’s the whole crux for me.”

While singles and home runs were up in the majors last year, the number of doubles and triples continued to decline. There were 7,745 doubles, down from 7,771 in 2024 and 8,254 a decade ago in 2016, according to Sportradar. Triples dropped to 628, compared to 697 in 2024 and 873 in 2016.

MORE: https://apnews.com/article/mlb-doubles-triples-arenado-2eaee79e3c7a1a3772bbaba5a2bf0e71

Highlights (from the link):

The decline in doubles and triples can be traced to a variety of factors. Among them:

• Defensive positioning -- there is no limit to shifts unlike the infield play

• Ballpark dimensions -- moving in the fences creates more home runs

• Emphasis on launch angle and velocity, as mentioned above

• Outfielders are more athletic, cutting down on the balls that used to roll all the way to the wall

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Doubles and triples have been an exciting, integral part of baseball seemingly forever, just like the stolen base and bunt. I could advocate moving the fences back, but I think I'd be in the minority. Fans and players love their home runs. And yeah, they are fun IF you have a Judge or Ohtani on the roster.