SPECULATOR: 2021 Recency bias rebounds, hitters

We focus on last year wayyy too much. And a minuscule 60-game season hasn't changed things.

Sure, it's important to glance at 2020 when evaluating 2021 outlooks—it's the most recent data point we have—but doing so in a vacuum can lead to a ton of blind spots. In times like these, we can't repeat this BaseballHQ axiom enough (though we try):

Regression is our game's most powerful force.

Putting stock in a player's most recent performance to guide your decisions—often referred to as recency bias—is a natural tendency. Resist the urge. Our marketplace tends to be littered with recency bias, as last year's breakouts are often fully priced, last year's duds are often discounted, and previous track records are often forgotten.

So this week,...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Speculator

The last Speculator of 2026 looks back at some of our earlier calls to see how things panned out.
Sep 17 2026 3:05am
Kyle Tucker has been one of many early-round disappointments in 2026.
Sep 2 2026 3:06am
A smattering of "best hits" from our Playing Time Tomorrow series, as well as some schedule-based speculations the rest of the way.
Aug 26 2026 3:07am
After a horrific start, Jacob Lopez has turned things around this summer. We dive into how, along with several other risers/fallers this summer.
Aug 19 2026 3:06am
CJ Abrams has always had the speed, and now both his frequency and quality of contact have taken steps forward.
Aug 5 2026 3:07am

Tools