MLB hitters 35 and older face challenges amid analytics and velocity rise
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 7:41 PM
Last updated Jun 9, 2026
As the MLB season progresses, struggles among hitters aged 35 and older become evident. Nolan Arenado's recent minor back issue highlights the physical challenges faced by aging players, despite solid performances from veterans like Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy. This demographic's combined value has sharply declined over the past decade, with only 5.6 WAR reported through the season's first third. Factors contributing to this decline include a focus on younger talent driven by analytics and an increase in pitching velocity, making competition tougher for older players. Teams are now prioritizing flexibility and performance metrics over veteran experience.
- •Nolan Arenado battles minor back pain but continues to perform well.
- •Older hitters have recorded just 5.6 WAR this season.
- •Teams increasingly prefer younger players due to analytics.
- •Velocity in the league has significantly increased over the years.
- •Flexibility and adaptability are prioritized in player management.
- 7:41 PMYahoo Sports — MLB’s hitters are struggling to thrive after 35 in the age of analytics and increased velocity
"Nolan Arenado was slugging his way through the month of May when the Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman woke up one morning with an ailment that’s familiar to those who felt invincible in their 20s but have advanced to their mid-to-late 30s. His back hurt.
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