A rapidly improving fifth-year infielder

​Tatsuki Mizuno, who joined Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters as the third overall pick in the 2021 draft, significantly increased his playing time in his third year as a professional in 2024. Although he was sidelined by injury last season, he steadily improved his performance. This season, he has already posted a league-leading batting average of .296 (third in the league) and an OPS of .798 (sixth in the league), showcasing his top-class hitting ability. He has also secured first place in the All-Star fan voting for short stop for the second time in his career, guaranteeing his participation in the All-Star Game (he withdrew last time due to injury). This time, we will focus on fielder’s choice who is currently on a roll, and examine the growth of his batting through data.

Two factors that lead to a reduction in struck out

As shown in the first table, the percentage of water fielder’s choice pitches has been declining struck out with each passing season, and so far this season, it stands at 15.8%—a figure that outperforms the league average of 20.2%.The statistics in the next table, which focus specifically on 2 strike situations, also show a similarly struck out lower rate, indicating that compared to the past, the team is struck out less likely to hitter give up hits even when put in a tight spot. This improvement is driven by enhanced contact ability; the contact rate in 2 strike situations has improved to 81.4%, surpassing the league average. The team has become capable of generating hits even from unfavorable count counts.

Another point worth noting in the table above is the number of at-bats. Of the 341 at-bats so far, 151 were 2-strike, meaning that 44.3% of his at-bats were in a 2-strike situation.Over the past two seasons, this percentage was around 49%, and this season, the number of at-bats where the batter is put in a 2- has decreased compared to previous years.

This season, I'll be taking more aggressive swings.

The reason for the decrease in at-bats where they are driven into a corner is the increased aggressiveness at the plate. Looking at first baseman strike swing rate, this season the swing rate has increased compared to previous seasons, nearly 10 points above the league average of 45.6%. By swinging early count, the player is hitting the ball before being put at a disadvantage. Thus, two main struck out factors in the decline are considered to be the increased aggressiveness at the plate and improved contact ability.

It's not just about hitting quickly; the quality of the hits is also excellent.

When fielder’s choice connects with first baseman strike, there are fewer ground balls and more line drive and fly balls. Generally, angled hits have a higher chance of going into the hit zone than ground balls that have to get through infielder to be hits. Even if a batter hits many balls forward without struck out, it's meaningless if those balls end up being weak hits, but fielder’s choice is hitting high-quality balls with his aggressive swing.

Aggressive swings produce a lot of hits

His current fielder’s choice is the league's best first baseman strike batting average of .475. Since struck out is not included in the At Bat, this number is higher than usual, but even excluding that, he is hitting a high average close to .500, which is a notable point. Considering the decline in struck out mentioned earlier, it's understandable that he is already producing hits at a pace that surpasses his personal best.

This season, he has posted some of the league's best results with his bat, signaling a major fielder’s choice leap forward. Recently, he has established himself among the top batting order, and with his high contributions in defense base running, the day when he firmly secures his regular spot is not far off. Currently in third place, Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters will need to continue contributing across the number 43 to reach the goal of becoming league champions.

*All figures in the text and tables are as of July 15, 2026.

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