CHICAGO — It’s not just launch angle. It’s not just barrel percentage. The Chicago Cubs have quietly tapped into one of the most elusive mechanics in modern hitting: the art of the pulled airball — and it’s reshaping their offensive identity.
Pete Crow-Armstrong, Kyle Tucker, and Seiya Suzuki, three very different hitters in style and stature, are executing one of the game’s most advanced adjustments with a level of synchronization rarely seen. Their success isn’t about raw power. It’s about where and how they drive the ball — and why pulled airballs may be baseball’s next hidden currency.
What Are “Pulled Airballs” — And Why Do They Matter?
A pulled airball refers to a fly ball or line drive hit to the hitter’s pull side — the left side for a right-handed batter, and the right side for a lefty. Statistically, these batted balls tend to result in the highest slugging percentages and most home runs.
But they come with a catch.
Pulling the ball in the air requires precise timing, tight swing mechanics, and above all, a keen understanding of pitch recognition. Mistime it by a fraction, and the result is a lazy pop-up or a harmless foul. But when timed right? It’s what turns a 97-mph sinker into a 440-foot statement.
That’s exactly what the Cubs’ trio has started doing — and consistently.
How the Trio Transformed the Cubs’ Offense
In April, Pete Crow-Armstrong looked like a traditional leadoff threat: speed, contact, and smart baserunning. But since mid-May, he’s quietly increased his pull rate on fly balls by nearly 15%, and with it, his slugging percentage has jumped by over 100 points.
“He’s not just putting the ball in play anymore,” says Cubs hitting coach Dustin Kelly. “He’s driving it — with a plan.”
Kyle Tucker, long known for his controlled power with Houston, has brought an advanced sense of airball selection to the Cubs. He’s now among the league leaders in pulled fly balls with an exit velocity over 95 mph — a stat that correlates almost perfectly with home run production.
Meanwhile, Seiya Suzuki, who had struggled at times with timing fastballs in his first two seasons, has made a quiet but measurable leap: reducing his groundball rate by 8% while increasing pulled air contact, particularly against high fastballs — a zone that had previously plagued him.
What the Numbers Show
Let’s break down some telling data since June 1st:
Player Pull Airball % SLG on Pulled Airballs HRs Since June 1 xwOBA (expected)
Pete Crow-Armstrong 38.5% .821 7 .397
Kyle Tucker 42.1% .893 9 .411
Seiya Suzuki 36.9% .755 6 .389
Notably, all three hitters have reduced their chase rates as well — a crucial factor that allows them to get into more “pullable” counts. They’re not just pulling balls — they’re hunting them.
The Hitting Philosophy Behind the Shift
“This isn’t about trying to pull everything,” says Suzuki through a translator. “It’s about waiting for the pitch you can drive — and not missing it.”
The Cubs’ coaching staff has invested heavily in heat map data and personalized swing path analysis. According to internal sources, each hitter has individualized “red zones” showing ideal pitches to attack — typically inside fastballs or hanging breakers — and the trio has worked relentlessly to train for those moments.
“Pulled airballs don’t happen by accident,” adds assistant hitting coach Johnny Washington. “They’re earned in the cage.”
Beyond the Box Score: Psychological Shift
What’s most interesting isn’t just the numbers — it’s the swagger. The confidence. The rhythm of the at-bats. You can see it when PCA steps in, takes a first-pitch slider just off the plate, and waits patiently for his zone. Or when Tucker leans into a 2-1 count and uncoils with menace. Or Suzuki, finally comfortable enough in MLB velocity, launches a chest-high four-seamer 20 rows deep in left-center.
This trio isn’t reacting anymore. They’re dictating.
What This Means for the Cubs’ Postseason Push
With trade deadline rumors swirling and pitching still a work in progress, the Cubs are leaning into offense. If this “pulled airball renaissance” continues, they might not need a lineup overhaul — they may just need to keep these three at the top, setting the tone.
Because when PCA, Tucker, and Suzuki are pulling in sync, the Cubs aren’t just dangerous. They’re downright explosive.
Up Next: Cubs continue their crosstown battle with the White Sox this weekend, where the wind at Wrigley may turn more airballs into fireworks.