MLB Releases Study Regarding Possible Juiced Balls in 2019 Season

Ever wonder why, when an MLB player in 2019 appeared to sky a fly ball off the end of the bat, it often would miraculously ended up in the stands? An MLB-led study could give fans some closure.

After what they claim to be an exhaustive study, the league attributed both inconsistencies in seam heights, as well as players focusing more on the launch angle of the ball as the main reasons that balls appeared to be flying further, as opposed to any sort of intentional "juicing" of the baseballs.

News: MLB released its study looking into whether the baseballs were juiced in 2019, and the professors running it believe a record number of HR were hit due in part to inconsistent seams on the ball -- and perhaps players embracing launch angle. Story: https://t.co/EOmfwNienL
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 11, 2019

Seam height accounts for about 35% of a ball's carry, according to this study, and the examination found that the height of the seams on a ball was different as compared to years prior. Seams decreased in size to an average of around .0305 inches in 2019, down from .035 inches from 2013-15. In theory, the ball would fly farther when hit with a lower seam height because it would be more aerodynamic.

When tasked with explaining why the drag coefficient was higher in the playoffs and batted balls went on average 3.5 feet shorter in the postseason, the study found no concrete answer, as the seam heights on playoff baseballs were similar to that of regular season balls.

It's incredulous to me that they're framing this like it's something they weren't entirely aware of. How stupid do they think we are? Good lord.
— CJ (@c_james_) December 11, 2019

While some could connect the dots and infer that changing the seam heights was one way to in a sense "juice" the balls, it appears that the league is pinning the spike in home runs on the launch angle revolution and newfound inconsistency.