What WHIP Means in Baseball and Why It’s a Stat You Should Care About

October 11, 2024
Baseball base.

Here’s a stat that might surprise you: In 2023, the average WHIP for Major League Baseball pitchers was 1.31. FanGraphs has the numbers to back it up. But what exactly is WHIP, and why does it matter?

If you’re new to baseball or just trying to understand it better, you’ve probably heard WHIP thrown around on broadcasts or in articles. It’s one of those stats that tells a lot about a pitcher’s game.

But what does WHIP actually measure, and why is it a big deal? Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense—even if you’re not into all the technical jargon.

What Does WHIP Mean?

WHIP stands for Walks plus Hits per Innings Pitched, and it’s a stat that gives you a quick look at how many runners a pitcher lets on base per inning. The formula itself is pretty simple:

WHIP = (Walks + Hits) ÷ Innings Pitched

Basically, it shows how good a pitcher is at keeping opponents from getting on base. Fewer base runners, lower WHIP—makes sense, right? But here’s where it gets interesting: WHIP doesn’t care about runs scored, home runs, or strikeouts. It’s purely about control.

What does whip mean in baseball?

Why Does WHIP Matter?

WHIP isn’t just another random number thrown around by commentators. It’s one of the best ways to figure out how a pitcher is really doing out there on the mound. Here’s why:

It Combines Two Important Skills

  • Walks: A high number of walks means a pitcher is struggling to control the ball. They’re giving away free passes to first base, and that’s never a good sign.
  • Hits: This is about command. If a pitcher gives up a lot of hits, it shows that batters are making solid contact and getting on base. Too many hits? You’re in trouble.

A low WHIP means a pitcher isn’t giving away many free passes (walks) and isn’t letting batters connect for hits. Put it together, and you get a great picture of how in control a pitcher is during the game.

WHIP vs. ERA: What’s the Difference?

You might be thinking, “But what about ERA? Isn’t that the go-to stat for pitchers?” Well, ERA (Earned Run Average) is definitely important, but it measures something different. Let’s compare:

  • ERA: Focuses on how many earned runs a pitcher gives up in nine innings. It’s about outcomes.
  • WHIP: Looks at how many base runners the pitcher allows per inning. It’s about what happens before the runs get scored.

In other words, a pitcher could have a decent ERA but a lousy WHIP, meaning they’re letting too many people on base and getting lucky by stranding them. Or, they might have a low WHIP and a high ERA if they tend to give up home runs or get unlucky with timing. WHIP gives you a more consistent idea of how a pitcher handles each inning.

What’s a “Good” WHIP?

So, what should you look for in a pitcher’s WHIP? Here’s a rough guide:

  • 1.00 or lower: Excellent. You’re looking at an ace who keeps base runners to a minimum.
  • 1.10–1.20: Very good. This pitcher is doing a solid job.
  • 1.30–1.40: Average. They’re letting a bit more traffic on base, but it’s not a disaster.
  • 1.50 or higher: Uh-oh. This pitcher might be struggling, letting too many hitters get comfortable on base.

The sweet spot is anything below 1.20. If a pitcher consistently stays in that range, they’re doing something right. But keep in mind, some pitchers manage to perform well even with a higher WHIP—especially if they’re strikeout specialists.

Defending the base and touching the base.

Factors That Affect WHIP

WHIP is a pretty straightforward stat, but there are a few factors that can push it up or down. Let’s take a look at what makes a pitcher’s WHIP go through the roof—or keep it nice and low.

1. Pitching Style

Some pitchers go for strikeouts, while others rely on getting batters to hit ground balls or pop-ups. Strikeout pitchers might have a higher WHIP because they’re more likely to walk batters as they try to make them chase pitches out of the strike zone. Meanwhile, ground-ball pitchers might have a lower WHIP but depend more on their defense to get outs.

2. Defense

A pitcher can only do so much. If their infielders are letting ground balls sneak through or the outfield is missing fly balls, those errors can inflate a pitcher’s WHIP. A good defense can really make a difference, turning hits into outs and keeping that WHIP nice and low.

3. Home Ballpark

This one might not come to mind immediately, but where a pitcher plays can have a big impact on WHIP. Ballparks like Coors Field in Colorado are infamous for being hitter-friendly, with balls flying out of the park more often. Pitchers in those parks will naturally see their WHIPs rise, while pitchers in more pitcher-friendly parks (like Dodger Stadium) will benefit from fewer hits being allowed.

Why WHIP Is Huge for Fantasy Baseball

If you’re into fantasy baseball, you probably already know this, but WHIP can be a game-changer when picking pitchers for your team. While ERA can fluctuate wildly depending on how many home runs a pitcher gives up, WHIP offers a clearer picture of consistent performance.

Tips for Fantasy Players:

  • Look for steady WHIP numbers: A pitcher with a low WHIP over multiple seasons is a great bet.
  • Strikeouts matter, too: A pitcher with a low WHIP and high strikeouts is a double threat—fewer base runners and more outs.
  • Keep an eye on upcoming matchups: If your pitcher is set to face a team that doesn’t walk much or has a low on-base percentage, you could see their WHIP drop that week, making them a smart pick.
What does whip mean in baseball.

The Bottom Line

WHIP might seem like just another stat, but it packs a punch. It’s one of the best ways to figure out how well a pitcher is controlling the game, giving you insight into how many base runners they allow. And as we’ve seen, fewer runners usually means better chances of winning.

So next time you’re checking out a pitcher’s performance, don’t just focus on ERA or strikeouts. Take a peek at their WHIP. It might just tell you more about what’s really happening on the mound. A pitcher with a great WHIP is keeping their team in control, one inning at a time.

About the author 

Darlene Aberin

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