In Surprise, Arizona, Michael Massey is taking a unique approach to revitalize his baseball career. After battling injuries to his left ankle, right hand, and back last season, Massey decided to delve into the science of his swing. He hit the books, consulted online resources, and even sought advice from a former pilot to understand the physics behind his bat's movement.
Massey’s exploration into physics was driven by a desire to remove any biases from traditional baseball thinking. “How the object moves through space is how the object moves through space,” Massey explained, emphasizing his goal to merge scientific understanding with baseball experience.
This year is pivotal for Massey, who just secured a $1.5 million deal with the Royals after his first arbitration-eligible offseason. With salary increases on the horizon, the Royals are evaluating how he fits into their roster long-term.
Demonstrating his versatility, Massey has been learning to play the outfield, with manager Matt Quatraro noting his natural aptitude in left field. The plan for 2026 includes Massey rotating between second base and the outfield, echoing Alex Gordon’s successful transition to an award-winning outfielder.
To secure his spot, Massey knows he must improve at the plate. Last season, he hit .244 with a .268 on-base percentage, .313 slugging percentage, and only three home runs in 77 games. This offseason, he committed to understanding his swing mechanics, focusing on how his body and bat interact to make consistent contact with the ball.
Massey’s conversations with the pilot drew parallels between flying a plane in a crosswind and swinging a bat, emphasizing the importance of applying scientific principles to his approach. “As nerdy as it sounds, physics is part of it,” Massey said, highlighting his quest for tangible insights over abstract feelings.
The crux of Massey’s approach aligns with common hitting philosophies: getting the bat in the zone and staying on plane with the pitch to maximize chances for success. By embracing his analytical nature, Massey is leaning into a method that suits his mindset.
“I’m certainly more of an analyzer,” he admitted. Accepting this trait, Massey is now fully committed to leveraging his analytical skills to enhance his performance.
While he acknowledges that perfect mechanics don’t guarantee success against tough pitching, Massey believes that mastering his swing mechanics will give him an edge. “There’s other stuff that goes into hitting,” he said. “But mechanics are, to me, one of the things you can control.”
With a new understanding of his swing and a fresh perspective, Massey is ready to make his mark in the upcoming season.