I haven't had a chance to write this out with work and concentrating on Ohtani etc. However, Whit Merrifield was on MLB a few weeks ago.
To summarize: Whit was asked what is the part of the game he takes pride in the most or that is most important to him that he is recognized for. SBs, his high average back when he hit .300 etc, etc. Whit replied that the part of his game that is most important to him is hitting with RISP or a man on 3rd less than 2 out etc.
This is when he threw some shade at the Blue Jays IMO and kind of gave me some insight into the hitting coaches, info that is shared etc. All the things we heard tidbits of during the season.
Whit stated that when he is at the plate with a runner on 3rd less than 2 outs, he is looking to take whichever pitch he gets and hit it somewhere to get the run in. Basically, that he has been good at adapting and making hard contact with the ball. Obviously in situation with RISP the pitcher will always pitch you tougher.
Whit's approach was in conflict with the team approach which was to wait your pitch, if you don't get your pitch and you can walk, then move it down the line for the next guy to bring the runner/s in.
However, guys were not getting their pitch and they weren't able to take a walk and they were stranding too many RISP.
Whit's insight definitely tracks with what I believe I saw last season with the Blue Jays in many cases. It also goes to a "Team approach or mindset".