Work

Statistical analysis of winning percentages in Japanese professional baseball using the Wins above Replacement indicator

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines a previously unexplored concept in the field of sabermetrics. By employing a novel correction that accounts for player position differences, it investigates the impact of the designated hitter (DH) system on team wins in Japanese professional baseball using the Wins above Replacement metric. We applied this innovative correction to Pacific League data from 2014 to 2023, accounting for positional differences in player contributions. Our results indicate no significant difference in the correlation coefficients between team average wins above replacement (WAR) and winning percentage under conditions including and excluding the DH position, suggesting that the DH system does not substantially impact team performance. These findings offer a nuanced understanding of the DH system's role in baseball strategy and team dynamics.

Source: PLoS ONE

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0336297

Authors: Shino Shimizu, Yasuhiro Suzuki

Institution: Nagoya University

Language: English

Topic: Sports Analytics and Performance

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,382

Funder: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science