Nolan Schanuel revealed on Wednesday that he devoted significant time during the offseason to drills designed to improve both his bat speed and barrel control, as reported by Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register. This training extended the work he began the previous offseason, which helped him increase his bat speed by 2.3 miles per hour during the 2025 season—the sixth-largest gain among all major-league hitters.
Performance Metrics and Power Development Challenges
Despite maintaining a steady contact rate with a 12.6 percent strikeout rate and finishing the year with a .264 batting average, Schanuel’s power numbers remained below expectations for a first baseman. His slugging percentage stood at .389, paired with a .125 isolated power (ISO), highlighting underwhelming power output. Schanuel hopes that further improvements in bat speed for 2026 will translate into stronger power numbers at the plate.
Managerial Perspective and Fantasy Baseball Implications
Angels manager Kurt Suzuki stressed that he does not want Schanuel, now 24, to make drastic changes to his swing in an attempt to generate more power. Fantasy managers are advised to continue viewing Schanuel as a low-end first baseman option, gaining more value in leagues that reward on-base percentage rather than power hitting.
“I don’t want the 24-year-old to dramatically alter his swing in pursuit of more pop.” ?Kurt Suzuki, Angels manager
“He spent considerable time in the offseason taking part in drills to improve his bat speed and barrel control.” ?Jeff Fletcher, The Orange County Register
