Will Brennan was supposed to be the answer to the Cleveland Guardians' outfield woes. While he had some big moments last season and had a strong stretch at the end of May through June, there was still a lot to be desired at the plate.
Brennan went to work in the offseason and made some noticeable changes to his swing and stance. Take a look at these two home runs. The first one is from June 8, 2023, and the second one was Brennan's first game of 2024 spring training.
The biggest difference here is Brennan's hands. Last season, he started with them out in front of him in a raised position but now Brennan starts with his hands resting on his back shoulder which apparently allows him to be quicker to the ball.
Brennan's stance also looks slightly different with his feet now being slightly more open in the batter's box.
But why make all of these adjustments? What's the organization's goal for Brennan for the upcoming season and what are they hoping to see from? Stephen Vogt broke that part of it down.
"I think just to find more consistency," said Vogt.
"I think by him opening up a little bit it's going to allow his direction to stay more consistent and to have a more direct path to the ball. Obviously, he's only played two games. But going left on left, home run, you know that the best thing that can happen because it just confirms that direction is where you want it to be ... I think just him making the posture and the alignments adjustments are going to help him stay more consistent."
So far, all of these adjustments have been proven to be successful in a minuscule sample size. If anything, the homer will give him the confidence he's doing the right thing.
Brennan has played in two games, hit a home run in his first at-bat, and has only struck out once. Only time will tell if these changes make him a more consistent hitter, but Vogt appears confident that that's what will happen.
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