MLB's Most Pitcher-Friendly Ballparks: A Statcast Analysis

Baseball's charm lies in its quirks, and perhaps the most unique of all is how every stadium tells its own story. Unlike other major sports, MLB ballparks vary dramatically in size, shape, and playing conditions—meaning where a game is played can significantly impact how it's played. One key way to quantify this is through Park Factor, a metric that sheds light on which stadiums are friendlier to pitchers.

What Is Park Factor?

Park Factor measures how a specific ballpark affects run production compared to the league average. A Park Factor of 100 is considered neutral. Anything below 100 favors pitchers, while anything above it suggests a hitter-friendly environment. To ensure accuracy, analysts often rely on a rolling three-year average to smooth out variables like weather and schedule.

The Best MLB Stadiums for Pitchers

1. T-Mobile Park (Seattle Mariners) — Park Factor: 91
Leading the pack, Seattle's T-Mobile Park suppresses offense by 9% compared to league average. Its marine-layer climate and deep dimensions make it a haven for pitchers.

2-4. Wrigley Field (Cubs), Oracle Park (Giants), American Family Field (Brewers) — Park Factor: 96
These three stadiums tie for second place, each providing modest support to pitchers. While Wrigley's factor fluctuates with Chicago's wind, the three-year average puts it squarely in the pitcher-friendly category.

5. Citi Field (Mets) — Park Factor: 97
The New York Mets' home continues to rank as a pitcher's ally, narrowly edging out Cleveland's Progressive Field (also at 97) due to slight differences in offensive suppression.

Other Notables in the Top 10:

• Progressive Field (Guardians)
• Comerica Park (Tigers)
• Globe Life Field (Rangers)
• Petco Park (Padres)
• Guaranteed Rate Field (White Sox)

Toughest Parks for Home Run Hitters

For pitchers concerned specifically with the long ball, the following stadiums are the hardest to go deep in:

1. PNC Park (Pirates) — HR Park Factor: 79
Fly balls die in Pittsburgh. This park leads the league in limiting home runs.

2. Oracle Park (Giants) — HR Park Factor: 80
San Francisco's cold, damp air and deep right field keep homers in check.

3-5. Kauffman Stadium (Royals), Progressive Field (Guardians), Chase Field (Diamondbacks)
These parks also rank among the toughest for hitters to clear the fence.

Temporary Homes, Temporary Effects

With the Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays playing in temporary venues, early Park Factor data shows:

• Sutter Health Park (Athletics):
• George M. Steinbrenner Field (Rays):

These numbers suggest pitchers may face challenges in these transitional stadiums, particularly when it comes to keeping the ball in the park.

Final Thoughts

For pitchers and teams alike, understanding Park Factor is crucial when planning strategies, rotations, and even trades. As Statcast and advanced metrics continue to evolve, ballpark effects remain one of the most fascinating—and impactful—elements of the modern game. Whether you're a fantasy player or a baseball purist, knowing where pitchers thrive can give you a whole new perspective on America's pastime.