Structured Work. Measurable Progress. In-Season Results.
Why the Offseason Matters
The work done between October and February doesn’t just prepare players. It separates them.
According to data from Baseball Savant:
- Adding just 1 mph to fastball velocity can drop opponent batting average by up to 0.15.
- Improving average launch angle into the 10–30° range can result in a jump of over 0.80 in slugging percentage.
- Hitters who raise their average exit velocity above 90 mph are more than twice as likely to post an OPS above .800 at the MLB level.
Rapsodo data shows that players who use player development tools at least twice a week in the offseason see faster improvement in key metrics like command, consistency, and contact quality.
Sample Offseason Training Phases
October–December: Mechanics and Movement
- Pitchers: Focus on delivery efficiency, repeatable mechanics, and command.
- Hitters: Focus on swing path, consistent contact, and creating a strong exit velocity floor.
January–February: Intent and Game Application
- Pitchers: Build velocity, refine pitch shapes, and simulate live situations.
- Hitters: Add timing elements, react to pitch types, and refine game-speed decisions.
How to Get the Most Out of Rapsodo in the Offseason
1. Use Scripted Sessions to Plan Your Training
Rapsodo’s Scripted Sessions feature lets you set up bullpens or hitting rounds ahead of time with pitch types, counts, and target locations. No guesswork—just focused work with structure you can measure.
2. Combine Video and Data
The data is powerful, but pairing it with synced video helps athletes understand what’s working and why. Coaches can quickly identify mechanical patterns and connect feel to actual outcomes.
3. Track Progress, Not Just Performance
Set weekly or biweekly benchmarks. Instead of only aiming for “90 mph fastballs” or “100 EV,” track how consistently players hit target zones, repeat movements, or control spin and break.
Offseason Pitching Drill: Fastball/Slider Tunnel Challenge
Goal: Improve pitch tunneling to create deception and increase swing-and-miss on breaking pitches.
How to Run It:
- Pair fastballs and sliders back-to-back in a bullpen session.
- Use Rapsodo to track release height, spin direction, and break.
- Aim for consistent release points with noticeable movement separation (ideally 8–14" horizontal break difference).
Why It Matters:
MLB data shows pitchers who maintain less than 6 inches of release variance between fastballs and sliders see up to 30% more whiffs on breaking pitches.
Offseason Hitting Drill: Launch Angle Ladder
Goal: Improve launch angle control while maintaining exit velocity.
How to Run It:
- Divide hitting rounds into target ranges: 10°, 20°, and 30°.
- Take 5 swings per angle, trying to stay within ±5°.
- Use Rapsodo to monitor both angle and exit velocity in real time.
Why It Matters:
MLB hitters with average launch angles between 10–25° slugged .551 in 2023. Hitters above 30° or below 10° slugged just .341. Controlling launch angle directly impacts power production.
Final Thoughts
An offseason without structure is just practice. An offseason with Rapsodo is development with direction.
Whether you're focused on refining mechanics, building velocity, or improving contact quality, Rapsodo gives coaches and athletes the tools to turn effort into results.
Start building your offseason plan today with Scripted Sessions and measurable goals inside the Rapsodo Baseball App.
Email sales@rapsodo.com or visit our website to learn more about adding Rapsodo technology to your player development program.
