Overview
A slump is a sustained period where a batter's performance falls significantly below their established level. Over NPB's 143-game season, virtually every hitter experiences some form of slump. Causes are multilayered: mechanically, subtle swing path deviations, timing disruptions, and diminished pitch recognition; psychologically, overthinking results, loss of confidence, and anxiety-driven spirals. From a sabermetric perspective, periods of abnormally low BABIP often reflect bad luck rather than skill decline, and if batted ball quality (exit velocity, launch angle) remains stable, natural regression toward the mean is likely. When batted ball quality itself deteriorates, mechanical adjustments become necessary. Recovery approaches vary by player: swing tweaks, return to tee work, video analysis, and mental coaching sessions. Whether to bench or continue starting a slumping player represents a significant managerial decision in team operations.