Major League Baseball has faced growing scrutiny over the baseballs used this season, raising concerns about inconsistencies affecting gameplay. On June 14, 2025, Andrew McCutchen publicly addressed this controversy, demanding explanations after witnessing unusual ball behavior during games. McCutchen’s call for clarity on the ball specifications has ignited a heated debate involving respected sports media figures, including David Samson.
Juan Soto’s Suspicious Flyout Fuels Debate
The controversy intensified after Juan Soto hit a fly ball that appeared destined to tie the game but died at the warning track after traveling only 357 feet. Despite a scorching exit velocity of 110.8 mph combined with a 22° launch angle, the ball fell well short of expected distances. According to Statcast data, batted balls with similar speed and launch angle in 2025 average 393 feet and result in home runs nearly 63% of the time, while historical averages from the Statcast era report a 411-foot average and almost 86% HR rate.
Juan Soto’s 357 foot 8th inning flyout was hit 110.8 MPH with a 22° launch angle.
In 2025, batted balls with an exit velocity of 110-111 MPH and a 20-25 degree launch angle average 393 feet and are a HR 62.9% of the time.
Statcast era averages: 411 feet, 85.9% HR rate
— Justin Nicosia (@justinnicosia20) June 14, 2025
Andrew McCutchen Shares Insider Information on Baseball Modifications
After observing these anomalies, McCutchen revealed information from a Major League Baseball representative claiming that the baseballs this year feature “higher seams,” which increase drag and prevent balls from traveling their typical distances. He noted that these balls are hand-sewn, which causes slight variations from ball to ball. When McCutchen inquired about potential remedies, he was informed that nothing could be done during the current season, although MLB was actively investigating why the seams appeared higher.
I was told by a rep for MLB that the balls are indeed different this year. They stated “higher seams” which produces more drag on baseball, causing baseballs to not travel as far as they should. When asked why, I was told “every baseball is hand sewn so no ball is the same.” When… https://t.co/StaUR45PFv
— Andrew McCutchen (@TheCUTCH22) June 14, 2025
every baseball is hand sewn so no ball is the same.
working hard on getting to the bottom of why the seams are higher.
David Samson Responds with Skepticism to McCutchen’s Claims
David Samson, former Miami Marlins president and current host of a Meadowlark Media show, publicly challenged McCutchen’s account. Samson dismissed the credibility of McCutchen’s source and expressed doubt during his podcast, emphasizing that he regularly hears from insiders but did not believe the information McCutchen purported to have.
I would like to find this ‘Deep Throat’ within baseball because I would like to be the one to tell Andrew McCutchen that your source stinks!
Samson replied on his Nothing Personal show.
And I’m not one — really, I hear from people in baseball quite a bit. They don’t exactly view me as their go-to friend of the court. But I can assure you in this case, whoever Andrew McCutchen is speaking to, that person doesn’t know squat about squat.
McCutchen Pushes Back, Revealing High-Level Contacts and Multiple Witnesses
McCutchen fired back at Samson’s accusations by underscoring that his information comes directly from the MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, supported by the testimony of 27 witnesses. He mocked Samson’s dismissal of his source and urged him to focus on his podcast instead of disputing credible information. To emphasize his point, McCutchen included a GIF of The Rock delivering the iconic phrase
“know your role and shut your mouth.”
My source stinks David? What a laughable thing to say when my “source” is The Commissioner of MLB and I have 27 witnesses to back that up. So stick to ur lil channel and do this… pic.twitter.com/0IjGu6lHse
— Andrew McCutchen (@TheCUTCH22) June 22, 2025
The Broader Impact of the Baseballs Controversy in MLB
This public exchange between McCutchen and Samson highlights a tense dispute rooted in the ongoing debate over the baseballs’ altered characteristics and their influence on player performance and game outcomes. With veterans like McCutchen lending credibility to claims about seam height changes, and media personalities questioning the accuracy of inside sources, MLB faces mounting pressure to clarify the situation.
Regardless of who is ultimately correct, the noticeable inconsistency in how the baseballs are flying is difficult for players, broadcasters, and fans to ignore. This scenario not only affects game integrity but could impact player statistics and team strategies moving forward. It remains to be seen how MLB will address these concerns in the short and long term to restore confidence in the sport’s equipment and fairness.