Much has been made about the shifting mechanics of Jason Heyward’s swing and the disappointing results it has yielded this season. I’ve covered the toe-tap, the hands tucked in so close to the body that you wonder how he can possibly elevate a pitch, and the frustration that he’s faced as even solid contact seems to find gloves. And I’m certainly not alone, as this has been a frequent topic of discussion among fans and scribes alike.
I’m also not alone in surmising that much of Heyward’s issues are mental, that he’s pressing to justify his contract or to live up to the stellar production of his teammates.