When Does an Intentional Walk Make Sense?
Sometimes avoiding one threat creates a better matchup.
Giving a hitter first base on purpose seems strange, but baseball strategy often revolves around probabilities rather than appearances.
Managers may choose an intentional walk when an elite slugger comes to the plate in a critical situation. Instead of risking a game-changing extra-base hit or home run, they prefer facing the next batter.
The tactic is especially common when first base is open and a force play can be created at multiple bases. By placing another runner on base, the defense gains additional options for recording outs.
There is still risk involved. Every intentional walk adds another potential run to the inning. If the next hitter succeeds, the decision can quickly look costly. For that reason, teams usually reserve intentional walks for specific matchups rather than using them routinely.
