How Ground Ball to Fly Ball Ratio Impacts a Hitter’s Power and Batting Average

How Ground Ball to Fly Ball Ratio Impacts a Hitter’s Power and Batting Average

In baseball, a hitter’s ground ball to fly ball (GB/FB) ratio plays a crucial role in determining their overall offensive production. This metric directly influences both slugging percentage and batting average. A high GB/FB ratio often leads to a higher batting average due to more balls in play, but it may limit a hitter’s power potential. Conversely, a lower GB/FB ratio—meaning more fly balls—can boost slugging percentage, but it may come at the expense of consistent contact and overall average.

FanGraphs provides extensive data on GB/FB ratios and how they correlate with power numbers. Hitters who maximize line drives and elevate the ball with authority tend to generate more extra-base hits and home runs, increasing their slugging percentage. However, excessive fly balls without enough exit velocity can lead to easy outs, negatively impacting batting average. Striking the right balance is key to becoming an elite hitter.

Francisco Lindor’s GB/FB Ratio and Its Impact on His Performance

Francisco Lindor is an excellent case study in how GB/FB ratio influences both power and batting average. Over his career, Lindor has maintained a GB/FB ratio around 1.10, meaning he hits slightly more ground balls than fly balls. This balanced approach has contributed to a career slugging percentage of .476 and a batting average of .274, according to FanGraphs.

In Lindor’s most productive power seasons, such as 2018 and 2021, he reduced his ground ball rate while increasing his fly ball rate. In 2018, he posted a career-high 38 home runs with a .519 slugging percentage, supported by a GB/FB ratio of 0.98. This shift allowed him to generate more extra-base hits, raising his overall offensive value.

On the other hand, in seasons where his ground ball rate increased, Lindor’s slugging numbers dipped. In 2020, his GB/FB ratio rose to 1.24, and his slugging percentage dropped to .415, marking one of the least productive offensive seasons of his career. This highlights how an increased ground ball tendency can limit power output.

Lindor’s 2024 season with the Mets further reinforces this trend. With a GB/FB ratio of approximately 1.05, he posted a .500 slugging percentage while maintaining a .273 batting average. By keeping his fly ball rate high enough to drive the ball into gaps and over the fence—without sacrificing too much contact—Lindor optimized his offensive performance.

Key Takeaways for Hitters

For players looking to maximize their offensive potential, Lindor’s career provides a clear lesson:

• If you want to improve slugging percentage, work on elevating the ball with solid contact and increased exit velocity.

• If your goal is to maintain a strong batting average, keeping a balanced GB/FB ratio can help prevent excessive fly ball outs.

• Small adjustments in batted ball distribution can significantly impact overall production, making it essential to track and refine your approach at the plate.

By understanding and optimizing GB/FB ratio, hitters can tailor their approach to better align with their individual goals—whether that’s hitting for power, maintaining consistency, or finding the perfect balance between both.

In our Remote Hitting Program, we strive to unlock every hitter's elite swing. Some hitters have a swing profile and that will generate a higher ground ball to fly ball ratio, while others tend to have a swing that will naturally create a lower ground ball to fly ball ratio. Understanding every hitters natural tendencies towards creating batted ball results helps us best identify their strengths and weakness - leading us to create a more tailored approach to their training that best supports what they already do well while continuing to make progress towards things that can be improved. 

Assessment and Goal setting is the first phase of the +PWR Training Player Development approach. Having a reason to implement different training techniques is the basis of how we get our hitters on the best track to unlock their elite swing.

Train with us HERE. It is the best thing that you can do for your career.