Izaac Pacheco Keys In On Mental Approach, With Help From A Tigers Icon
Ask any minor league player the first key to survival in pro ball and they likely will say “adjusting.”
Third baseman Izaac Pacheco has found this to be true ever since he was drafted out of Friendswood (Texas) High in the second round in 2021.
But through it all, the 21-year-old is reminded that amid the change, the game remains the same.
After finishing 2022 with an 18-game cameo at High-A West Michigan, Pacheco used the required adaptation skills to prepare for a full Midwest League season in 2023.
“I think every level is a little different,” Pacheco said. “I think it takes a little time to get used to, but I think if you have the right mindset. At the end of the day, I think it’s the same game.
“I think as you go up, the consistency and the command of the pitchers gets a little bit better, but there’s always a little adjusting to do due to that.”
Pacheco hit just .211/.283/.352 in 119 games for West Michigan while establishing a career high with 12 home runs. His primary focus wasn’t as much on physical offensive adjustments as it was on his mental approach.
“I always try to keep my same swing that I’ve had my whole life,” Pacheco said. “The mental approach was the biggest thing.
“Just knowing that you have a good swing, and having the confidence to go up there every at-bat, and basically just know you’re going to beat the guy.”
Pacheco took advantage of his access to Tigers roving infield instructor Alan Trammell, the Hall of Fame shortstop.
“He’s helped me so much on and off the field,” Pacheco said. “I try to talk to him one-on-one as much as possible and pick his brain. I mean, he has so much knowledge and always talks about work ethic and just staying even keeled.
“He talks about how every day is a new day and you’re going to go up there to compete . . . that’s what he’s kind of instilled in me in the past couple of years.”
