MLB Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) Explained

Nowadays, there are lots of different baseball statistics and metrics available to fans. Not only are these stats useful for MLB fans, but they are also beneficial to MLB bettors.

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Weighted runs created plus (wRC+) is one of the most popular baseball metrics out there. If you want to learn how to utilize wRC+ to aid your MLB bets, be sure to keep reading.

How Does wRC+ Work?

Before we explain how weighted runs created plus works, we need to explain how runs created works. This metric aims to predict a player’s total offensive contribution to a team, considering factors such as the hitter’s ability to get on base and his for extra bases.

Ultimately, weighted runs created plus is a more detailed version of runs created. In addition to looking at the runs created statistic, wRC+ adds key factors like era and ballpark effects to get a greater understanding of a hitter’s ability.

A wRC+ of 100 is used to describe a league average hitter. A player with a wRC+ of 115 would be 15% above the league average, while a player with a wRC+ of 85 would be 15% below the league average.

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How to Calculate wRC+

While some baseball metrics only consider one or two factors, weighted runs created plus takes multiple factors into account. That said, the wRC+ formula is relatively easy to understand when you break down the equation.

According to MLB.com, this is the correct wRC+ formula:

(((wRAA per PA + league runs per PA) + (league runs per PA – ballpark factor x league runs per PA) / league wRC per plate appearance, not including pitchers)) x 100.

As you can see, wRC+ considers league runs per PA, ballpark factor, league wRC per plate appearance and other factors. Thankfully, there are plenty of online wRC+ calculators that can help you figure out hitters’ stats.

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How Bettors Can Utilize wRC+

Essentially, wRC+ measures the generation of runs and standardizes it, allowing us to assess players’ performance across various ballparks and historical periods.

Since wRC+ quantifies run creation and normalizes it, MLB bettors can use the tool to support their wagers in several ways. It considers the varying weights of each offensive action and adjusts them based on context, giving us a better understanding of a hitter’s ability.

Of course, attempting to predict the number of runs a team will tally in a specific game is no easy task. However, if you’re seeking a straightforward and comprehensive measure of a team’s offensive power, wRC+ can give you an edge over the bookies.

Bettors can utilize wRC+ for markets like monylines, totals, handicaps, player props, team props and even futures. If you apply the metric correctly, you could take your baseball betting to the next level.

Read our BABIP, wOBA and OPS explainer guides next to learn more advanced MLB statistics.