MLB news: Bo Jackson says MLB players prioritize home runs over batting average

Former MLB All-Star Bo Jackson said players had one thing on their minds in today’s game: going deep.

Jackson, 63, talked about how the game has changed over the years and how players with low batting averages are paid more because of the emphasis on home runs.

“Everybody’s trying to hit home runs. Either hit it out of the park or hit it out. You’ve got guys making seven, eight million dollars a year and they’re batting .241,” Jackson said. “Green Light for Chris Long.”

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There are plenty of players who bat around .241 but find success because of their ability to hit the long ball. Last season, Philadelphia Phillies star Kyle Schwarber hit .240 but hit 56 home runs and had 132 RBIs, finishing second in National League MVP voting.

The 32-year-old then signed a five-year, $150 million contract in the offseason. Schwarber is an example of how Jackson’s batting average has depreciated in today’s game; because the emphasis has shifted more to the ability to get grounded and slow down.

To observe tacklers in the NFL, Jackson compared high-paid kickers with low batting averages.

MIKE TROUT GIVES HIS $35 MILLION REASON FOR NOT PLAYING FOR TEAM USA IN THE WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC

Former Kansas City Royals player Bo Jackson (left) talks with Michael Massey (right) before the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium on June 28, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Peter Aiken/USA TODAY Sports)

“This is like someone getting minimum wage, this is a guy on the scouting staff making 7-8 million a year that you know shouldn’t be in the game,” Jackson said.

The former multi-sport star also mentioned that players don’t steal a lot of bases or play small ball.

“Stealing bases was a necessity back then. You don’t see guys other than (Cincinnati Reds’ Elly) De La Cruz… You don’t see a lot of guys in baseball anymore stealing bases, hitting hit-and-runs, or sacrificing bunts,” Jackson said.

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Former MLB and NFL player Bo Jackson and UFC champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk joke around before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers at US Cellular Field on July 21, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (David Banks/USA TODAY Sports)

Jackson spent eight seasons in the major leagues. He began his career with the Kansas City Royals, then spent two seasons with the Chicago White Sox and one season with the California Angels. Jackson had a career batting average of .250 with 141 home runs, 415 RBIs and 82 stolen bases in 694 games.

He made the All-Star team with the Royals in 1989.

Jackson also played four seasons in the NFL with the then-Los Angeles Raiders. Jackson rushed for 2,782 yards with 16 rushing touchdowns in 38 games.

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