Sample Data

Presently, SwingGraphs is the only available source for Vertical Bat Angle (VBA) of MLB players. We are making this data available to members for $5 /month or $29 for the year. Here is what you get:

• Average VBA for most all MLB players (currently 713 player VBAs). We will be updating this data monthly. This dataset includes 2018-present.

• An SG_Path Score which considers both VBA and certain batted ball data. There is currently no metric on the market the provides an indication of the quality of a player’s swing path.

• A 3P Score which includes our SG_Path Score – For Path, Power, Plate (discipline). We are providing a gross score as well as a score net of “Isolated K%” which takes out the increased K impact from higher exit velocity and more effective swing path, both of which have a tendency to increase a player’s K rate.

• Advance access to new research and articles that highlight potentially valuable findings in the data as well as other topics that we believe have not been covered in other publicly available research.

How to Use The Member Zone

Ultimately, the ball is the best judge of swing path quality and can be seen through data including tight launch angle bands, more square (less backspin) contact, and fewer infield fly balls. The drawback of any methodology utilizing batted ball data is that a large number of batted ball events (BBEs) are needed for metrics to stabilize.

Although the scores are robust, they are subject to the same drawback of all metrics based on batted ball data – the amount of data needed. Enter VBA.

The great thing about having VBA is that just a few captures can indicate whether a player’s mechanics are drifting (unintentional) or whether a player might have made an intentional mechanical change. Whether a change is intentional or not, VBA can give an early indicator of future performance well before it shows up in the batted ball data.