Since the end of the steroid era, MLB’s balance of power has shifted from batters to pitchers. Each class of new pitchers has nastier stuff than their predecessors, and they are throwing it far harder. Trajekt is looking to balance the MLB battle between hitters and pitchers. They have released the Trajekt Arc, which takes pitching machines to a new level.
The Trajekt Arc is relatively straightforward. Players pick the pitcher they want to face, which appears as a hologram projected on the pitching machine. The Arc simulates everything from the pitcher’s velocity, accuracy, and arm angle. That means a batter can use the machine to gain at-bats against a pitcher they will face in their next game.
Arc Machine Brings Software Analytics Into the Real World
The MLB has embraced advanced analytics more than any other league, but the Arc machine represents a step beyond that.
In an interview with ESPN, Angel’s outfielder Willie Calhoun shared a story of how the machine has helped his game. Heading into a game with the Yankees, Calhoun set up the Arc machine to face off against New York’s high-leverage relievers that he had not previously faced. The practice would pay off as Calhoun delivered a clutch hit in the bottom of the eighth inning. It came against a pitcher he had yet to face, showing the impact of his time with the Arc.
“I was able to see how it was looking before I got into the box,” Calhoun said. “That machine is nice.”
Arc Machines Garners Mixed Feedbacks from Players
While the Arc machine is not yet available for all teams in the league, pitchers have already begun to complain about its use.
Most pitchers allow more hits after the second time through the order as opposing batters adjust to their timing and strategy. They complain that batters can get those first few at-bats by using the Arc machine to enter their first at-bat ready to go. While the numbers don’t support that belief today, the technology is still relatively new. Tweaks and updates can improve the machine, making teams willing to pay the high price tag.
The Arc machine is presented as a game-changer for hitters, but only some have loved using the machine. Some players say that the timing is far more challenging to get down, given the use of a hologram. Timing is everything when you are at the plate; the machine could make that more difficult.
Trajekt Could Change How Bookmakers Set MLB Odds
The MLB isn’t the only organization studying the Arc machine’s impacts. Sportsbooks across the country are also conducting their own analyses. The potential for the machine to hand hitters a massive advantage would change how betting apps set their odds. More effective hitters will lead to higher-scoring games, affecting how totals and run lines are set.
Bettors will also analyze as the Arc machines become more prevalent. The abundance of stats and trends can allow them to form their own opinions of its impact, leading to a change in betting style. If sportsbooks don’t quickly gain analysis of the effect of the Arc, it could lead to significant losses.
High Price Tag Limits Availability
As helpful as the Arc machine can be, it comes at a price some teams aren’t willing to pay. According to the Associated Press, owning and operating one Arc machine costs between $15,000 and $20,000 monthly.
Due to their high price tag, only a few clubs have invested in the machines. Many teams, especially those from smaller markets, are unwilling to spend the money without being able to analyze their impact on hitters.
Size is a Challenge
Even if a team decides the high price tag is worth it, they still need enough room to install the Arc machines. Each machine measures four feet wide, six feet tall and weighs 1,500 points.
The Arizona Diamondbacks learned this lesson the hard way. They invested in a machine for their team. While their spring training facility gave them plenty of room, they haven’t been able to do so at Chase Field. The batting cages are not big enough, leading to the machine being a few feet ahead of where the mound would be.
While the difference between 56 feet and 54 feet may seem minimal, it completely changes the speed and timing of the pitches. That makes the machine useless for many batters, who complained that the shorter distance did more damage than good.
“Ninety-nine [mph] feels like 120 for us,” D-backs outfielder Pavin Smith said near the end of May. “I don’t love it, to be honest. I liked it more in spring training. It was further back, so it felt more realistic. Now every guy looks like he’s twice as good.”
It May Take Years to Determine Arc Machine’s Impact
Like with all technology, future updates lead to product improvement over the years. Trajekt has been listening to feedback from players and teams to make future tweaks to improve their Arc Machine. That means many of the issues players have complained about could be fixed within the next five years.
Increased Competition and New Technology Could Change Price
While the Arc machine is unique among pitching simulators, you can bet its competitors are already looking to improve on this revolutionary technology. That competition could lead to a drop in price and new updates to make them even more valuable to hitters.
The most crucial complaint to address is the timing between the hologram and the actual pitch machine. As a result, many players have opted not to use the machine. If Traject or another competitor can figure out a solution, it could change baseball forever.