Dodgers Diamondbacks Baseball

Los Angeles Dodgers' Freddie Freeman hits a two-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in Phoenix.

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MLB's hitters are struggling to thrive after 35 in the age of analytics and increased velocity

MLB's hitters are struggling to thrive after 35 in the age of analytics and increased velocity

It's a tough time to be a veteran MLB hitter these days. Only a handful of players who have hit the age of 35 are having success in the big leagues this season, including Nolan Arenado, Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy and Christian Walker. The share of production from MLB players age 35 or over has had a steep drop over the past 25 years. There are several reasons for the move, including an trend toward younger players that's driven by analytics and increased fastball velocity. Arenado and other are thriving thanks to the ability to adapt to their older bodies, changing habits that might have been ingrained early in their careers.