While offensive statistics like batting average and home runs often steal the spotlight, defensive metrics play a critical role in evaluating a player’s overall performance.
These metrics provide insights into a player’s ability to field, throw, and prevent runs.
Below we’ll look at a complete list of defensive metrics used in baseball, along with detailed explanations and examples.
1. Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR)
Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR) is a comprehensive defensive metric that measures a player’s ability to field batted balls within their zone of responsibility.
It takes into account factors such as range, arm strength, and errors. UZR is expressed in runs saved or allowed compared to an average fielder at the same position.
Example: A shortstop with a UZR of +10 means they have saved 10 runs compared to an average shortstop.
2. Defensive Runs Saved (DRS)
Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) is a metric that quantifies the number of runs a player saves or costs their team through their defensive performance.
It considers various aspects such as range, arm strength, turning double plays, and fielding bunts.
DRS is expressed in runs above or below average.
Example: An outfielder with a DRS of -5 means they have cost their team five runs compared to an average outfielder.
3. Range Factor (RF)
Range Factor (RF) measures a player’s ability to cover ground and make plays within their defensive position.
It is calculated by dividing the total number of putouts and assists by the number of games played.
RF is often used to evaluate infielders and outfielders.
Example: A second baseman with a RF of 4.5 means they are involved in 4.5 plays per game.
4. Fielding Percentage (FP)
Fielding Percentage (FP) is a simple metric that calculates the ratio of successful fielding opportunities to total chances.
It is expressed as a decimal or percentage.
While FP provides a basic measure of a player’s fielding ability, it does not consider range or the difficulty of plays made.
Example: A first baseman with a FP of .985 means they successfully fielded 98.5% of their chances.
Understanding Defensive Statistics – A Crash Course on Baseball Stats Episode 3/4
5. Zone Rating (ZR)
Zone Rating (ZR) evaluates a player’s ability to make plays on batted balls within their defensive zone.
It takes into account the number of balls hit into a player’s zone and the number of plays made.
ZR is expressed as a percentage.
Example: A third baseman with a ZR of .850 means they successfully made plays on 85% of balls hit into their zone.
6. Defensive Efficiency Rating (DER)
Defensive Efficiency Rating (DER) measures a team’s ability to convert balls in play into outs.
It is calculated by dividing the total number of outs recorded on balls in play by the total number of balls in play.
DER provides insights into a team’s overall defensive performance.
Example: A team with a DER of .700 means they convert 70% of balls in play into outs.
7. Outs Above Average (OAA)
Outs Above Average (OAA) is a defensive metric that quantifies a player’s ability to make outs above or below the average fielder at their position.
It considers factors such as range, reaction time, and positioning.
OAA is expressed in the number of outs.
Example: An outfielder with 5 Outs Above Average means they have made five more outs than an average outfielder.
8. Ultimate Zone Rating per 150 games (UZR/150)
Ultimate Zone Rating per 150 games (UZR/150) is a rate statistic that adjusts UZR to represent the number of runs saved or allowed over a full season (which it counts as 150 games).
It allows for easier comparison between players who have played different amounts of games.
Example: A shortstop with a UZR/150 of +10 means they would save 10 runs over a full season compared to an average shortstop.
9. Range Runs (RngR)
Range Runs (RngR) measures a player’s defensive value based on their ability to cover ground and make plays outside their zone.
It takes into account the number of plays made outside the player’s zone and the average run value of those plays.
Example: A center fielder with 5 Range Runs means they have saved five runs by making plays outside their zone.
10. Arm Runs (ArmR)
Arm Runs (ArmR) evaluates a player’s defensive value based on their throwing arm strength and accuracy.
It takes into account the number of runs saved or allowed by the player’s arm compared to an average fielder at their position.
Example: A catcher with -3 Arm Runs means their throwing arm has cost their team three runs compared to an average catcher.
11. Error Runs (ErrR)
Error Runs (ErrR) quantifies the number of runs saved or allowed by a player’s fielding errors compared to an average fielder at their position.
It takes into account the frequency and impact of errors.
Example: A third baseman with 2 Error Runs means their fielding errors have cost their team two runs compared to an average third baseman.
12. Double Play Runs (DPR)
Double Play Runs (DPR) measures a player’s ability to turn double plays.
It quantifies the number of runs saved or allowed by successfully completing double plays compared to an average fielder at their position.
Example: A second baseman with 3 Double Play Runs means they have saved three runs by successfully turning double plays.
13. Fielding Runs Above Average (FRAA)
Fielding Runs Above Average (FRAA) is a comprehensive metric that evaluates a player’s overall defensive value compared to an average fielder at their position.
It takes into account various aspects such as range, arm strength, turning double plays, and fielding errors.
FRAA is expressed in runs above or below average.
Example: A shortstop with -5 Fielding Runs Above Average means they have cost their team five runs compared to an average shortstop.
14. Statcast Outs Above Average (OAA)
Statcast Outs Above Average (OAA) is a defensive metric that uses advanced tracking technology to quantify a player’s ability to make outs above or below the average fielder at their position.
It considers factors such as range, reaction time, and positioning.
Example: An outfielder with 7 Statcast Outs Above Average means they have made seven more outs than an average outfielder.
15. Catcher Framing Runs (FRM)
Catcher Framing Runs (FRM) evaluates a catcher’s ability to receive pitches and “frame” them in a way that influences umpires’ calls.
It quantifies the number of runs saved or allowed by a catcher’s framing skills compared to an average catcher.
Example: A catcher with +2 Catcher Framing Runs means their framing skills have saved their team two runs compared to an average catcher.
FAQs – Defensive Metrics in Baseball
1. What are defensive metrics in baseball?
Defensive metrics in baseball are statistical measures used to evaluate a player’s defensive performance.
They provide insights into a player’s ability to field, throw, and prevent runs.
2. Why are defensive metrics important in baseball?
Defensive metrics are important in baseball because they help assess a player’s overall performance beyond offensive statistics.
They provide a more comprehensive understanding of a player’s contributions to the team and help in making informed decisions about player evaluations, defensive strategies, and team compositions.
3. How are defensive metrics calculated?
Defensive metrics are calculated using various formulas and algorithms that consider factors such as range, arm strength, errors, double plays, and more.
These calculations are based on play-by-play data, tracking technology, and historical averages.
4. Can defensive metrics be used to compare players from different positions?
Yes, defensive metrics can be used to compare players from different positions.
However, it is important to consider the specific demands and expectations of each position when making comparisons.
Some metrics, like Ultimate Zone Rating per 150 games (UZR/150), adjust for playing time differences to facilitate easier comparisons.
5. Are defensive metrics the only way to evaluate a player’s defensive abilities?
No, defensive metrics are not the only way to evaluate a player’s defensive abilities.
They provide valuable insights, but they should be considered alongside other factors such as the player’s reputation, eye test observations, and input from coaches and scouts.
6. Do defensive metrics consider the difficulty of plays made?
Yes, some defensive metrics consider the difficulty of plays made.
Metrics like Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR) and Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) take into account factors such as range and the average run value of plays made to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of a player’s defensive value.
7. Can defensive metrics be used to predict future performance?
Defensive metrics can provide insights into a player’s defensive abilities and trends, which can be used to make informed predictions about future performance.
However, it is important to consider other factors such as player age, injuries, and changes in team dynamics.
8. Are defensive metrics universally accepted in baseball?
Defensive metrics have gained significant acceptance in baseball over the years.
However, there are still debates and discussions about the accuracy and limitations of certain metrics.
It is important to use defensive metrics as part of a comprehensive evaluation rather than relying solely on them.
9. Do defensive metrics account for the impact of positioning and shifts?
Some defensive metrics, like Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR) and Statcast Outs Above Average (OAA), consider factors such as positioning and shifts.
These metrics aim to evaluate a player’s ability to make plays based on their starting position and the expected trajectory of batted balls.
10. How often are defensive metrics updated?
Defensive metrics are typically updated regularly throughout the baseball season.
Play-by-play data and tracking technology allow for timely updates and adjustments to reflect a player’s latest performances.
Summary
Defensive metrics in baseball provide valuable insights into a player’s ability to field, throw, and prevent runs.
From comprehensive metrics like Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR) and Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) to specialized metrics like Catcher Framing Runs (FRM) and Statcast Outs Above Average (OAA), these metrics help evaluate players’ defensive performances accurately.
By considering a combination of these metrics, teams and analysts can make informed decisions about player evaluations, defensive strategies, and team compositions.
