MLB study confirms baseballs getting extra lift since 2015, but cause unknown

The surge in home runs since the start of the 2015 campaign is partially due to a change in the aerodynamic properties of baseballs, according to a newly released study commissioned by Major League Baseball.

However, the study, which was conducted by a committee of 10 experts, found no compelling evidence that the new aerodynamic properties - specifically, the decrease in drag - have been caused by any change to the physical properties of the baseballs (size, weight, and seam height), dispelling the popular theory that the balls have been "juiced."

Changes in climate, offensive approach (such as increased emphasis on hitting fly balls), and pitching strategies haven't contributed to the spike in homers, either, the study concluded, but the committee wasn't able to offer an explanation as to why baseballs have been carrying further.

"It was something of an unsatisfying result," Alan Nathan, professor emeritus of physics at the University of Illinois and chair of the 10-member committee that conducted the study, told Yahoo's Jeff Passan. "We had a set of baseballs that had a much higher than average drag. We had a set of baseballs that had a much lower average drag. We asked ourselves: 'What's the difference between these baseballs?'"

"We cannot find a single property that we can actually measure other than the drag itself that would account for it," Nathan continued. "We do admit that we do not understand this."

In response to the study's findings, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announced that he will take the following actions:

1. Monitor the temperature and humidity in the ball-storage locations of the 30 ballparks, and work with the committee to determine whether to install humidors at all ballparks for the 2019 campaign.

2. Work with Rawlings, the league's baseball manufacturer, to update the existing production specifications for baseballs and to develop additional specifications for their aerodynamic properties.

3. Develop a set of aerodynamic tests for game baseballs.

4. Create a protocol for how much clubs are allowed to mud-rub their baseballs.

5. Form a scientific advisory council to continue advising his office on issues related to baseball performance.