The Fantistics Fantasy Baseball Podcast · InsiderBaseball

June 25, 2024 - Barrel Rate Leader Board

·59 min·5 clips

Lou Blasi reveals why barrel rate is his favorite indicator stat for uncovering hidden player potential in fantasy baseball.

This episode of The Fantistics Fantasy Baseball Podcast focuses on analyzing the current MLB leaders in barrel rate, a key hitting metric. Host Lou Blassie is joined by co-host Brandon Cameron from Fantistics and InsiderBaseball.com. They examine the statistic to uncover both expected top performers and surprising names on the leaderboard. The hosts compiled a list of players leading the league in barrel rate for the season. They note the top half of the list contains the predictable elite power hitters. The bottom half of the leaderboard, however, includes several names that may be surprising to many fantasy managers. Blassie emphasizes that a high barrel rate, such as 16%, is a critical indicator of a player's underlying power capability. He states this metric can reveal potential not always obvious from standard box scores or FanGraphs pages. Brandon Cameron explains the technical definition of a barrel, which requires a batted ball with an exit velocity of at least 98 miles per hour. He describes barrel rate as a "natural aggregate stat" that works from the "end result." Cameron expresses a general skepticism toward aggregate stats due to concerns about their formulas but approves of this one's methodology. A key insight is that barrel rate provides multiple avenues for evaluating a hitter's true talent and current form. The hosts find value in identifying players whose surface stats may not yet reflect their elite barrel contact. The surprising names on the list represent potential breakout candidates or buy-low targets in fantasy leagues. Blassie personally favors barrel rate as one of his "favorite indicator stats" for player analysis. Cameron's appreciation stems from the stat's clear, results-based criteria linking exit velocity and launch angle. The tone is conversational and educational, aimed at fantasy baseball players seeking a competitive edge. The style is analytical, breaking down a specific advanced metric with practical applications for roster decisions. Fantasy managers deeply interested in advanced analytics and underlying player skills will love this episode. Listeners who prefer narrative storytelling or basic traditional stats might skip it.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from The Fantistics Fantasy Baseball Podcast