WHIP stands for Walks and Hits per Inning Pitched and is one of the main statistics used to measure a pitcher’s performance in Major League Baseball (MLB). It tells the number of base runners (walks + hits) allowed by the pitcher per inning pitched. A low WHIP is an indication of a pitcher’s ability to keep the opposition from reaching base.
How is WHIP Calculated?
WHIP is calculated by dividing the total number of walks and hits allowed (WH) by the total number of innings pitched (IP). The formula is: WHIP = WH/IP. For example, a pitcher who has allowed 10 walks and 30 hits over 50 innings pitched would have a WHIP of 0.80.
What is an Average WHIP in MLB?
The average WHIP for MLB pitchers in 2020 was 1.19, meaning that the average pitcher allowed 1.19 base runners per inning pitched. This is slightly higher than the 2019 average of 1.17.
What is a Good WHIP?
A good WHIP for a pitcher is anything below 1.00. Pitchers who have a WHIP below 1.00 are considered to be “elite” and are typically among the best in the league. The average WHIP for MLB All-Stars in 2020 was 0.97.
How Does WHIP Impact a Pitcher’s Performance?
WHIP is a great statistic to measure a pitcher’s ability to prevent base runners. A low WHIP indicates that the pitcher is doing a good job at keeping the opposition off base and is thus more likely to win games. On the other hand, a high WHIP indicates that the pitcher is allowing too many base runners and is more likely to struggle.
What Factors Influence WHIP?
Several factors can influence a pitcher’s WHIP. These include the pitcher’s ability to control the ball, the quality of the opposition, the defense behind him, and the umpire’s strike zone. A pitcher’s control is probably the biggest factor when it comes to WHIP. If a pitcher can consistently throw strikes and keep the ball around the plate, then he is more likely to have a low WHIP.
Conclusion
WHIP is an important statistic for pitchers in Major League Baseball. It tells the number of base runners allowed by the pitcher per inning pitched and is an indication of the pitcher’s ability to keep the opposition from reaching base. The average WHIP for MLB pitchers in 2020 was 1.19 and is slightly higher than the 2019 average of 1.17. A good WHIP for a pitcher is anything below 1.00 and pitchers who have a WHIP below 1.00 are considered to be “elite”. Factors such as the pitcher’s control, the quality of the opposition, the defense behind him, and the umpire’s strike zone can all influence a pitcher’s WHIP.