A few weeks ago, I took to task the online theory that the D-Backs’ brand of “chaos ball” – that blend of aggressive baserunning, stolen bases, and balls in play that made the 2023 postseason run so magical – had ended. As much as I love speculating wildly about baseball and baseball strategy, I always prefer to interrogate my speculation with numbers and evidence. Much to my surprise, there’s some numbers-backed proof to suggest that the team has indeed moved away from the chaotic style that was so successful in the 2023 postseason for an offense that was more power-based, in line with the rest of the league. Specifically, I looked to see how the team’s penchant for stolen bases and for taking an extra base (compared to the rest of the league) had changed since that 2023 campaign. As we c
Thursday Tidbits: The Search for Chaos

93