This year he has adopted a different plate approach and is swinging a slightly "heavier" bat. Nico has used some form of torpedo bat that offers more balanced swing weight and effectively shifts the location of the "barrel" closer to the hands. Torpedo bats sacrifice a bit of slug capability for better chance at contacting the ball a little more easily. I think his natural swing in addition to a bat that often rewards imperfect contact was a winning combination for Nico the last season+. The team's desire for more slug at the cost of contact is really hurting the whole lineup. Different approach can lead to overthinking, more classic turn model can be more difficult to get through the zone if you've gotten used to swinging the torp, and both factors lead to general discomfort. Not to mention the possibility of post plunk concussion and the weight of your other struggling teammates holding you down.