Defensive Runs Above Average is a simple yet powerful metric that compares how many runs a fielder, lineup, or team actually allows to how many runs an average counterpart would be expected to allow.
Positive numbers mean better than average defensive performance, while negative values indicate below average work.
Use the calculator below to turn raw run totals into an easy to interpret DRAA figure in seconds.
This metric is especially useful for evaluating individual fielders and teams over the course of a season, allowing for a better understanding of defensive contributions.
Additionally, concepts like ‘weighted runs above average explained‘ provide deeper insights into how different factors, such as ballpark effects and position played, can influence a player’s defensive value.
By utilizing these metrics, analysts can paint a more comprehensive picture of a team’s overall defensive capabilities.
Additionally, understanding a team’s defensive capabilities becomes even more crucial when paired with an offensive runs calculator tool.
This can provide a comprehensive view of a team’s overall performance by highlighting how effectively they contribute to both defensive and offensive metrics.
By analyzing these figures together, fans and analysts can gain deeper insights into a team’s strengths and weaknesses throughout the season.
DRAA Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a positive DRAA value mean?
A positive number shows that the player or team prevented more runs than an average peer, so higher is better.
What inputs should I use?
Use the total runs your fielder, unit, or team actually allowed and the runs a league average group would be expected to allow in the same chances.
Where can I get expected runs values?
Stat services like Baseball Prospectus, FanGraphs, and Statcast publish expected defensive metrics you can plug straight into this tool.
Can I use partial season data?
Yes.
The formula works for any sample size as long as both actual and expected runs cover the same period.
Why is my result negative?
A negative DRAA means the subject allowed more runs than an average counterpart, indicating below average defense.