Relative to traditional fantasy baseball leagues, one of the most valuable stats to look at is a batter’s BB%. BB% stands for ‘Walk Percentage’ and is a statistic used to measure how often a batter will draw a walk. A good BB% can be the difference between a successful season and a disappointment.
Understanding BB%
The BB% statistic is calculated by taking the number of walks a player has drawn and dividing it by the total number of plate appearances (PA). This statistic can be used to measure how often a player will draw a walk, but it can also be used as an indicator of a player’s overall plate discipline.
The average BB% for a Major League Baseball player is usually somewhere between 8 and 10%. This means that the average player will draw a walk once every 10 plate appearances.
Why Is BB% Important?
BB% is important for a few reasons. First, a good BB% can be an indicator of a player’s ability to draw walks, which is a valuable skill in and of itself. A high BB% can mean that a player is disciplined enough to take a pitch rather than swinging at a pitch out of the strike zone.
Second, a good BB% can be an indicator of a player’s overall offensive ability. A player who can draw a walk regularly is more likely to be able to reach base safely, which is one of the most important aspects of offensive success.
Finally, a good BB% can be an indicator of a player’s ability to recognize the strike zone. A player who can recognize the strike zone and draw a walk is more likely to be successful, as they are less likely to swing at bad pitches and get themselves out.
What Is Considered a Good BB%?
A good BB% is generally considered to be any walk percentage above the MLB average, which is usually somewhere between 8 and 10%. A BB% above 10% is generally considered to be very good, while a BB% above 15% is generally considered to be elite.
Conclusion
BB% is an important statistic to consider when evaluating a player’s offensive ability. A good BB% indicates that a player has good plate discipline, can recognize the strike zone, and is more likely to reach base safely. A BB% above 10% is generally considered to be very good, while a BB% above 15% is considered to be elite.