1. Mechanical Issues
​Bregman’s struggles could be the result of mechanical issues in his swing. In the past, Bregman has been known for his ability to adjust and refine his swing based on opposing pitchers. However, the prolonged decline in his performance against LHP suggests that something more fundamental might be wrong.
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​- Timing and Pitch Recognition: Bregman is known for his ability to recognize pitches early. If his timing against left-handed pitchers has been off, this could explain the reduction in power and consistency. Lefties often present a different angle and movement than right-handers, which could be throwing off his ability to track the ball.
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- Swing Mechanics: It’s possible that his swing mechanics are creating issues when facing LHP. Specifically, if his hands aren’t staying in sync, or if his bat path is not as fluid as it is against righties, he could be consistently making weak contact or pulling off pitches too early.
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​2. Adjustments by Opposing Pitchers
Pitchers, especially in the modern game, have access to advanced data and scouting reports that allow them to tailor their approach to individual batters. Over time, pitchers facing Bregman may have identified weaknesses against left-handed pitchers and exploited them with pitch patterns that disrupt his timing.

- More Breaking Balls: Left-handed pitchers tend to throw more breaking balls (such as sliders and curveballs) to right-handed batters. If Bregman has been struggling to pick up breaking balls or adjust to their movement, that could explain his lower slugging percentage against LHP. Lefties may be throwing more off-speed pitches, forcing Bregman to be more defensive at the plate.

- Pitch Placement: It’s also possible that left-handed pitchers are exploiting holes in his swing with well-placed fastballs or changeups that are tough for Bregman to square up. If his swing is late or doesn’t have the right bat speed, Bregman could be forced to swing at pitches he otherwise wouldn’t, leading to weaker contact and more strikeouts.
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3. Health or Injury Concerns
Though Bregman has generally been healthy over the past few seasons, nagging injuries or discomforts could be a contributing factor to his struggles against left-handed pitching. If his body is not 100%, this could affect his swing mechanics, timing, or his ability to generate power. Injuries can lead to compensations in the swing, which might not show up immediately but can accumulate over time.

4. Confidence and Mental Approach
While less tangible, Bregman’s mental approach to facing left-handed pitchers might also play a role. Confidence is key for any hitter, and if Bregman has faced a few tough stretches or misfortunes against LHP, it could affect his overall mindset when facing them. A small slump against lefties might snowball if he starts to press, causing him to overthink his approach and swing at pitches out of the zone.

1. Refining His Swing Mechanics
Bregman should focus on refining his swing mechanics against left-handed pitchers. Specifically, he should ensure that his hands stay inside the ball, his hips rotate fully, and his timing is more consistent. One potential area of focus could be ensuring his swing path is less steep, which would allow him to make better contact with off-speed pitches like sliders and curveballs.

2. Adjusting His Mental Approach
Bregman could benefit from adjusting his mental approach. Rather than trying to overpower left-handed pitchers, he should focus on staying within himself and making solid contact. His approach should involve being more selective with his pitches, especially on breaking balls, and not trying to pull everything. Working with a mental coach or discussing his approach with hitting coach Alex Cintrón could provide insights into better approaching LHP.

3. Improving Pitch Recognition
Bregman should continue to refine his pitch recognition skills. If pitchers are throwing more breaking balls and off-speed pitches, Bregman needs to be able to pick them up earlier to avoid chasing pitches out of the zone. Improving his pitch recognition against LHP would allow him to better lay off bad pitches and wait for a more hittable offering.

To give Bregman a sense of what is possible, it’s worth looking at some of the best right-handed hitters in the game today who excel against left-handed pitching:

Jose Ramirez: A prime example of a right-handed hitter excelling against left-handed pitchers is José Ramírez of the Cleveland Guardians. Over the past several years, Ramirez has posted an OPS above .900 against left-handed pitchers. His ability to stay balanced at the plate, combined with his quick hands and ability to recognize breaking balls, allows him to thrive against LHP. Ramirez’s approach is one that Bregman could certainly look to replicate.

Giancarlo Stanton: A prime example of a right-handed hitter excelling against left-handed pitchers is Giancarlo Stanton of the New York Yankees. Stanton, known for his power, is consistently among the best in the league when it comes to hitting left-handed pitching. His combination of bat speed and ability to adjust to off-speed stuff allows him to hit for both average and power against LHP. Stanton’s ability to drive the ball to all fields and avoid chasing breaking balls has kept him productive against left-handed pitchers throughout his career.

​Aaron Judge: Judge, like Stanton, is a powerful right-handed hitter who excels against left-handed pitchers. In fact, his numbers against LHP have been elite, with a career .290+ batting average and .550 slugging percentage against them. Judge's ability to recognize breaking balls and stay back on off-speed pitches has been key to his success. His approach focuses on driving the ball to all fields, and when he stays disciplined, he punishes left-handed pitchers.

Mookie Betts: Betts, who is known for his all-around offensive game, consistently posts strong numbers against left-handed pitchers. His ability to hit for both power and average against LHP makes him a rare commodity, and his balance at the plate serves as a perfect example for Bregman. Betts’ approach, which focuses on pitch recognition and using the whole field, has allowed him to maintain elite numbers against LHP.