Performance Enhancing Drugs: Who Benefited More from PEDs - Mark McGwire or Sammy Sosa

When discussing the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in Major League Baseball, two prominent names often arise: Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. Both players saw significant gains in their power output, but which one benefited more from PEDs? Let's dive into the details.

Mark McGwire: A Big Guy with Power

McGwire entered the league as a big guy, known for his undeniable power. His second full season saw him hit 49 home runs, a testament to his raw power. Unlike Sammy Sosa, who was initially slender, McGwire had a naturally powerful physique. The question becomes whether PEDs helped him recover from numerous injuries or if he was already destined to be a star.

McGwire always had a high strikeout rate, which is common for powerful sluggers, but he also walked frequently. His rookie season at age 23 saw him walk 71 times against 131 strikeouts. Over time, his batting average improved, leading to a higher walk rate. Despite missing a lot, he led the league in on-base percentage (OBP) twice, a feat rare for a power hitter.

Sammy Sosa: A Transformation Through PEDs

Sosa, on the other hand, was initially a slender young man. By the time he retired, he had gained 50-75 pounds, mostly upper body muscle. The use of PEDs played a significant role in transforming him into a powerful hitter. His batting average improved over the years, reaching an OPS of almost .900 by the time his career peaked.

Sammy's improvement was gradual. At the age of 24, he showed a marked improvement in his hitting, swinging harder and more vigorously. However, until the age of 22, his lack of walks and high strikeout rate were problematic. It is speculated that he spent less time in the minors than necessary, given his struggles in his first full season at age 22, where he hit .203 and played 116 games.

The Biases and Insights

It's challenging to quantify the exact impact of PEDs on each player due to varying levels of use. McGwire seemed MLB-ready by hitting over .300 in AAA at age 22, indicating he was a star in the making from day one. Wade Boggs, a comparative player, showed similar readiness and success in the minors.

Sosa, however, improved incrementally, reaching his peak production years a bit later. He relied more on swinging often to hit more home runs, but developing a better batting eye ensured he would hit better by only swinging at good pitches.

Despite the speculation, it appears Sosa benefited more from PEDs, as his career trajectory was on a different path compared to McGwire. Sosa's career lasted longer, with significant improvements in his batting average and home run output.

In conclusion, while both players saw incredible gains, Sammy Sosa's transformation through PEDs was more pronounced. However, both players have since been recognized and inducted into the Hall of Shame for their involvement in PED use.