Fast forward to 2025, and MLB may have over-corrected in the opposite direction with less fly balls resulting in home runs. It has players suspecting that MLB changed the baseballs, and according to Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen, something is indeed different about the 2025 balls.

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen said via his X account that an MLB representative told him the baseballs being used this season are different due to higher seams, which are leading to more drag on the baseball (and less travel).

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Pirates star Andrew McCutchen has hit thousands of baseballs in his career, but has noted a difference in it this season. McCutchen reacted to a video on Twitter, showing New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto just missing a home run at Citi Field and noted that the MLB may use 'deadballs.