I don’t know all the analytics, but I’m sure there is a point of diminishing returns. When he was hitting .230 and hitting 30-40 homeruns, then it probably is more value to swing for the fences. But hitting .150 like he did last year or being hitless this year, there is no way that is more valuable than dropping down a bunt. I just can’t believe the Orioles would be telling him to keep swinging hard when he is frequently swinging and missing.
To me, it’s not if he is hitting into the shift. It’s that he’s not hitting period and if the shift is on, you have an easy hit available to you as a way to get on base.