Statcast

Statcast is a real-time tracking system used in Major League Baseball to capture the positions and movements of the ball and players during games. Developed by MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM) and partners, Statcast combines data from a network of high-speed cameras and radar to generate precise three-dimensional coordinates for pitches and batted balls. It was introduced around the 2014–15 period and began broad rollout for the 2015 season.

Statcast measures a wide range of events and characteristics. Pitch data include velocity, spin rate, spin axis, and movement; hitting data include exit velocity, launch angle, spray angle, and projected distances; batted-ball outcomes and hang time are tracked as well. In addition to balls in play, the system can track baserunners and fielders to assess sprint speed, routes, and defensive positioning. Metrics such as catch probability and barreled balls are used to summarize outcomes.

The data are updated in real time and are publicly accessible through MLB platforms such as Baseball Savant, as well as used by teams for scouting, player development, and game strategy. Broadcasters and analysts apply Statcast data to illustrate plays, generate advanced metrics, and support decision-making.

While highly accurate, Statcast depends on calibration of cameras and sensors at each ballpark, and some metrics are model-based estimates. The system continues to evolve with improvements in coverage and analytics, expanding how the game is analyzed and understood.