Pittsburgh Pirates veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen has dropped a bombshell on social media, claiming that Major League Baseball (MLB) officials privately admitted the baseballs being used this season are “different,” with one specific change impacting how the game is played.
McCutchen dropped the info on social media in response to a tweet from user Ben Yoel, who posted a clip of Juan Soto’s well-hit fly ball being caught near the fence. “You can’t convince me MLB isn’t using dead balls,” the X user wrote.
In response to the tweet, McCutchen revealed that an MLB rep told him the balls this year have “higher seams,” which increase drag and reduce the distance traveled.
MLB Says “Nothing Can Be Done This Season,” Claims Andrew McCutchen
“When asked why,” McCutchen wrote, “I was told every baseball is hand-sewn so no ball is the same.” But the real kicker? MLB reportedly told him nothing can be done about it this season.
McCutchen also said league reps told him they are “working hard on getting to the bottom of why the seams are higher.”
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While some fans shared similar suspicions, others were quick to point out that Yankees captain Aaron Judge and Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, both leading the home run race, are hitting the same baseballs.
But what do the statistics say?
According to Ballpark Pal, the home runs in 2025 are down 20.9%, 8% fewer home runs than “expected,” based on a model that accounts for the park, weather, and how the ball leaves the bat.
That number has worsened each year since 2021. Meanwhile, the average fly ball distance is also down 1.81%, further supporting claims that the ball simply isn’t flying like it used to.
McCutchen’s comments have sparked renewed debate about MLB’s handling of baseball, and no fix is expected this season.
Also Read: Andrew McCutchen Reveals He Warned Jorge Lopez Before Intentional Throw
