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Cal Mitchell Seeking Earlier Pitch Recognition, Quicker Decisions at the Plate in 2022

BRADENTON, Fla. – Cal Mitchell set a goal prior to the 2021 season.

“I told myself before the year that I wasn’t going to strike out as much,” said Mitchell.

The Pirates outfield prospect struck out 28.8% of the time in 2019, and dropped that to 16.9% in 2021. He made the improvement through various adjustments, like better training his eyes, and setting his body up in a position to wait longer on pitches.

This year, Mitchell’s goal is to get extended to balls more often at the plate.

“I think I took my singles a little more than I needed to, where I could have given a bigger chance on some swings during the year that I’m looking to do this year,” said Mitchell.