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from Wikipedia

FanGraphs.com is a website run by Fangraphs Inc., located in Arlington, Virginia, and created and owned by David Appelman that provides statistics for every player in Major League Baseball history.[1][2]

Key Information

On September 18, 2009, Fangraphs Inc. launched an iPhone app in partnership with Hawk Ridge Consulting,[3] which was discontinued before returning in 2022.[4] Fangraphs has a number of content partners including ESPN, SB Nation and Fanhouse.

FanGraphs products

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FanGraphs creates several products:

Web sites

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  • The FanGraphs homepage,[5] which contains articles, statistical reports and also covers baseball history as well as current issues and events, including games and series, injuries, forecasts, player profiles, baseball finance, and the player marketplace.
  • RotoGraphs is FanGraphs' fantasy baseball advice and analysis section. It originally featured David Golebiewski of ESPN Inside Edge, Marc Hulet, Brian Joura of newyorkmetsdaily.com, and Peter Bendix.[6] Currently managed by Eno Sarris.
  • NotGraphs provides "a place to put things that would otherwise not have a place on FanGraphs".[7] NotGraphs was managed by Carson Cistulli but ceased publishing new content at the conclusion of the 2014 season.[8]
  • The Community Blog is an opportunity for readers to share their writing through FanGraphs. In May 2010 an editorial staff was put in place to guarantee an "approval process" within 48 hours of submission.[9]
  • The FanGraphs Library, later the Sabermetrics Library, is an encyclopedia of Sabermetric statistics and principles run by Neil Weinberg.

Publishing

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FanGraphs releases an annual book, The FanGraphs Second Opinion: Fantasy Companion, that contains statistics and analysis of the past season, in-depth player profiles, team previews, articles on fantasy strategy and forecasts of the upcoming season.[10]

Podcasts

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  • Effectively Wild, hosted by Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley, is a thrice weekly podcast.[11] Effectively Wild was initially created as a part of Baseball Prospectus, but moved over to FanGraphs at the beginning of 2017.
  • The Sleeper and the Bust, hosted by Paul Sporer and Justin Mason, is a fantasy baseball focused podcast that releases episodes regularly. Jason Collette is a frequent co-host.[12]
  • FanGraphs Audio was a weekly program, which ended after its March 2023 episode.[13]

Fantasy baseball

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FanGraphs works with Ottoneu baseball to offer a fantasy baseball program[14] with prizes.[15]

Regular writers

[edit]

FanGraphs

[edit]
  • Paul Swydan – Senior writer of FanGraphs. Joined in January, 2011. Swydan is the co-managing editor of The Hardball Times and is a writer for ESPN Insider. He previously worked 7 years for the Colorado Rockies and wrote for Baseball Prospectus, MLB.com, Rockies Magazine and the Biz Of Baseball.
  • Eric Longenhagen – FanGraphs lead prospect analyst. Contributed in 2014 and 2015, but re-joined in May, 2016. Longenhagen previously wrote for Crashburn Alley, Sports on Earth, Prospect Insider and ESPN.[16]
  • Chris Mitchell – Prospect analyst at FanGraphs and proprietor of the KATOH prospect projection system. Joined February, 2015. Mitchell also contributes to The Hardball Times, and has previously contributed to Pinstripe Alley and Pinstripe Pundits.
  • Kiley McDaniel – Prospect analyst at Fangraphs. McDaniel previously worked as the assistant director of Baseball Operations with the Atlanta Braves,[17] and for the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates and Baltimore Orioles and wrote for Scout.com and ESPN's Draft Blog.
  • Craig Edwards – Staff writer of FanGraphs. Joined in February 2015.
  • Nathaniel Grow – Legal analyst at FanGraphs. Joined in December, 2014. Grow is an associate professor of Legal Studies at the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business. He is the author of Baseball on Trial: The Origin of Baseball's Antitrust Exemption, as well as a number of sports-related law review articles.
  • Corinne Landrey – Staff writer of FanGraphs. Joined in June, 2016. Landrey also writes for The Hardball Times, Today's Knuckleball and is the managing editor of Crashburn Alley.
  • David Laurila – Staff writer of FanGraphs. Joined in May, 2011. Laurila contributes Q&A articles and produces the Sunday Notes column. He previously wrote for Baseball Prospectus where he wrote the Prospectus Q&A from February 2006 until May 2011.[18]
  • Blake Murphy – Staff writer of FanGraphs and RotoGraphs. Joined in July 2013.[19] Murphy contributes to the Daily Fantasy feature at RotoGraphs. He also serves as the NBA editor for theScore and writes for NylonCalculus.com and RaptorsRepublic.com.
  • David G. Temple – Staff writer of FanGraphs and NotGraphs. Joined FanGraphs in October, 2013.[20] Temple began writing for NotGraphs in July, 2012. He also contributes to The Hardball Times and is the host of the Stealing Home podcast. He previously contributed to TheClassical.com and ThePlatoonAdvantage.com.
  • Neil Weinberg – Site educator of FanGraphs. Joined in July 2014.[21] Weinberg hosts a weekly chat and is responsible for maintaining the FanGraphs statistical library. He also works as a managing editor for SB Nation's BeyondtheBoxscore and writes for The Hardball Times, Gammons Daily, TigsTown.com and NewEnglishD.com.
  • Jeff Zimmerman – Staff writer of FanGraphs and RotoGraphs. Joined in March 2010.[22] Zimmerman is the expert on player health and contributes extensive work relating to player aging curves. He contributes the weekly MASH report feature to RotoGraphs. He is also the founder of BaseballHeatMaps.com and writes for SB Nation's RoyalsReview.

RotoGraphs

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  • Mike Axisa (Apr '10 - present)[23] – RotoGraphs staff writer. Also writes for and co-founded River Ave. Blues, a Yankees blog.
  • Michael Barr (Feb '11 - present)[24] – RotoGraphs and FanGraphs staff writer.
  • Howard Bender (Feb '11 - present)[25] – Founder of The Fantasy Baseball Buzz, also a contributor to the 2011 Fantasy Baseball Guide magazine and ESPN Radio.[26]
  • Jason Catania (Mar '11 - present)[27] – Also writes for ESPN The Magazine and ESPN Insider.[28]
  • Ben Duronio (Jan '12 - present)[29] – Also writes for the Capitol Avenue Club, a Braves blog. Worked with ESPN Stats & Info Group.
  • Erik Hahmann (Feb '11 - present)[30] – Previously wrote for Bloomberg Sports, also writes for DraysBay.[31]
  • Marc Hulet (Apr '08 - present) – Hulet provides articles and scouting reports on minor league prospects, including annual preseason and midseason top prospect lists.
  • Brad Johnson (Oct '13 - present)– Johnson is responsible for The Daily Grind feature at RotoGraphs. Also occasionally contributes to The Hardball Times.[32]
  • Mike Podhorzer (Mar '11 - present)[33] – Has written for The Fantasy Baseball Generals and FantasyPros911.[34]
  • Zach Sanders (Nov '09 - present)[35] – RotoGraphs staff writer and creator of the Roto Riteup, a daily fantasy baseball column which runs through the duration of the MLB season. Sanders also contributes to RotoGraphs' Fantasy Rankings.[36]
  • Dan Wade (Aug '11 - present)[37] – RotoGraphs staff writer.
  • David Wiers (Mar '12 - present)[38] - RotoGraphs staff writer and co-author of the Roto Riteup series.[39]

Former

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  • RJ Anderson – Now writes for Baseball Prospectus.
  • Patrick Andriola - Wrote for FanGraphs from June 2010[40] until October 2010[41] Before joining FanGraphs Andriola wrote for The Hardball Times (2009, 2010) and, as a student, worked for the Major League Baseball's Labor Relations Department.[42]
  • Peter Bendix – Currently the president of baseball operations for the Miami Marlins.[43] Wrote articles for RotoGraphs in the 2008–2009 offseason.[44]
  • Dave Cameron – Former managing editor and senior writer of FanGraphs. He hosted a weekly chat, contributed to FanGraphs on Fox Sports, wrote several features such as the annual "Trade Value" series and was a regular contributor to the FanGraphs Audio podcast. Cameron was the co-founder of USSMariner.com and previously worked for Baseball Prospectus and contributed to The Wall Street Journal. On January 10, 2018, Cameron announced that he would be leaving FanGraphs to become an analyst for the San Diego Padres.[45] He joined the Seattle Mariners in 2022.[46]
  • Carson Cistulli – Senior writer of FanGraphs, former editor of NotGraphs and host of the FanGraphs Audio podcast. Joined in August, 2009. Cistulli is responsible for the Daily Notes and writes the "Fringe Five" prospect feature. He previously worked for The Hardball Times. He left FanGraphs in November 2018 to work for the Toronto Blue Jays.[47]
  • Craig Edwards – Edwards practiced law in Chicago for a number of years before coming to baseball, now working as Senior Analyst of Economics and Collective Bargaining for the Major League Baseball Players Association.[48] He previously wrote for FanGraphs from 2015 to 2021, joining the site full-time in 2018 when he stepped down as Managing Editor of Viva El Birdos, a St. Louis Cardinals blog.[49][50]
  • Drew Fairservice – Fairservice is the managing editor of GhostRunnerOnFirst.com and previously wrote for the theScore Inc.
  • August Fagerstrom – Former staff writer of FanGraphs. Joined in June 2014. Fagerstrom also wrote for the Akron Beacon Journal and Ohio.com and has been published in the Chicago Tribune and The Washington Post. He left FanGraphs at the end of the 2016 season to work for the Milwaukee Brewers.[51]
  • Sky Kalkman – Left FanGraphs in 2006, then wrote for Beyond The Boxscore,[52] and now writes for Baseball Prospectus.
  • Jonah Keri – Keri joined FanGraphs in January 2011, introduced as having "written for every publication known to man,"[53] including Playboy, ESPN, and Baseball Prospectus. Keri was a staff writer for FanGraphs and NotGraphs until August 2011 when he left to write at Grantland.[54]
  • Matt Klaassen – Joined in November 2009 until November 2014. Klaassen was a staff writer and occasionally contributed to the FanGraphs Audio podcast.
  • Erik Manning – Now writes for Beyond The Boxscore.[52]
  • Mike Petriello – Petriello now works for MLB.com.[55] He's also contributed to The Hardball Times, ESPN Insider and DodgersDigest.com. He was previously an editor producer for Sports on Earth.
  • Frankie Piliere – Now writes for Scout.com.[56]
  • Eno Sarris – Senior writer of FanGraphs and editor of RotoGraphs. Joined in July 2010. Sarris hosted a weekly chat, contributed to FanGraphs on Fox Sports and NotGraphs and is the founder and operator of BeerGraphs. He also wrote for the Hardball Times and previously wrote for Bloomberg Sports and Amazin' Avenue. Now a senior writer at The Athletic.[57]
  • Bryan Smith - Wrote for FanGraphs from January 2010[58] until November 2010.[59]
  • Steve Sommer - Wrote for FanGraphs from March 2010[60] until May 2010.[61] Later wrote for The Hardball Times.[62]
  • Nathaniel Stoltz – Stoltz was a prospect writer who viewed prospects in the Eastern, Carolina, South Atlantic, and New York-Penn Leagues. He previously wrote at Beyond the Box Score, Athletics Nation, and RotoGraphs.
  • Jeff Sullivan – On February 22, 2019, Sullivan announced he was leaving FanGraphs for a job with the Tampa Bay Rays. He was a senior writer of FanGraphs and editor of the Community blog. Sullivan hosted a weekly chat, contributed to FanGraphs on Fox Sports, wrote several features, such as the "Worst of the Best" series and is a co-hosted of the "Effectively Wild" podcast. He also wrote for USSMariner.com and previously wrote for SB Nation's Lookout Landing.[63]
  • JD Sussman – Sussman was a prospect writer who contributed to the Prospect Watch feature. He previously wrote for BullpenBanter.com.
  • Wendy Thurm – Thurm was a previous lawyer of 18 years who covered legal issues in baseball. She has previously contributed to Sports on Earth, ESPN, SB Nation, theScore, BayAreaSportsGuy.com, The Classical, and San Francisco magazine.
  • Brandon Warne (Feb '12 - March '18)[64] - Covered two start starting pitchers for Rotographs. Warne is a Minnesota Twins beat reporter for Twin Cities-based website Access Twins.
  • Bradley Woodrum – Woodrum holds degrees from Jacksonville University (B.A. Economics and B.A. English) and Roosevelt University (M.A. Economics). He also co-founded Cubs Stats and writes for DRaysBay[65] and SBN Tampa Bay. He worked for the Miami Marlins from 2018 to 2024.[66][67]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
FanGraphs is a leading online platform dedicated to statistics, advanced analytics, and in-depth analysis for (MLB), , and fantasy enthusiasts. Founded on August 15, 2005, by David Appelman as a simple tool featuring 10 interactive graphs for batters and pitchers using data from Baseball Info Solutions, it has evolved into a comprehensive resource offering player and team leaderboards, play-by-play data, metrics, pitch tracking, and projections such as Steamer and . The site quickly shifted from its initial fantasy baseball focus to broader professional analysis, with Appelman leaving his job at AOL in 2006 to develop it full-time. Key milestones include the introduction of Win Values (a precursor to Wins Above Replacement, or WAR) in December 2008 in collaboration with sabermetricians Tom and Sean Smith, the hiring of its first writers like Dave Cameron that same year, and a major technological overhaul starting in 2015 led by developer Sean Dolinar, which enabled mobile apps for and Android. In 2019, FanGraphs launched RosterResource, a depth chart and transaction tracking tool created by Jason Martinez, further enhancing its utility for roster management and scouting. Today, owned by David Appelman and operated by Fangraphs Inc. from Arlington, Virginia, FanGraphs employs a team of analysts including Meg Rowley (appointed in 2023), prospect evaluator Eric Longenhagen, and fantasy expert Jeff Zimmerman, producing daily blogs, research articles, and chat sessions. Its business model emphasizes a membership program (FG+) for ad-free access and exclusive content, while maintaining free core features like real-time scores, playoff odds graphs, and WAR leaderboards that have made it influential in the community.

Overview

Description and Purpose

FanGraphs is a prominent online platform dedicated to advanced baseball statistics, player projections, and sabermetric analysis, covering Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MiLB). It serves as a comprehensive resource for visualizing and interpreting baseball data through interactive tools like leaderboards and graphs, enabling users to explore performance metrics beyond traditional box scores. Founded in 2005 by David Appelman, FanGraphs originated as a tool to graph and analyze statistics, with a strong emphasis on —the empirical study of through data-driven insights. Its core purpose is to democratize access to sophisticated metrics, such as Wins Above Replacement (WAR), which quantifies a player's total value; (wOBA), a run-value weighted measure of offensive production; and (FIP), which evaluates pitchers based on outcomes they directly control like strikeouts and walks. These tools empower a wide audience, including enthusiasts, fantasy league participants, scouts, and team executives, to make informed decisions and deepen their understanding of the game. The platform sustains its operations through a combination of advertising revenue, premium memberships, and user donations. In 2024, FanGraphs introduced a metered for articles, granting readers 10 free pieces every 30 days before requiring a subscription for unlimited access, thereby balancing accessibility with financial support for ongoing content and data maintenance.

Role in Baseball Analytics

FanGraphs has played a pivotal role in advancing baseball analytics by popularizing interactive data visualization tools, such as dynamic graphs and customizable leaderboards, which allow users to explore player performance metrics in real-time. These features, introduced early in the site's development, transformed how fans and analysts access and interpret complex statistics, setting a standard for user-friendly presentation that influenced subsequent platforms in the sabermetrics community. The site has contributed significantly to sabermetric innovation by integrating and promoting advanced metrics like Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR), a defensive evaluation tool that quantifies a fielder's range and efficiency using play-by-play data from Baseball Info Solutions. FanGraphs has also hosted contributions from sabermetrics pioneers, including podcast interviews and responses to analyses by , whose foundational work on and continues to underpin many of the site's offensive and pitching evaluations. Through its Library, FanGraphs educates users on these concepts, fostering deeper understanding and application in player assessment. Within the industry, FanGraphs receives widespread recognition from teams for its role in player evaluation, with its projections and leaderboards cited in reports and front-office decisions across the league. The platform has formed partnerships with data providers like Sports Info Solutions for comprehensive play-by-play tracking and collaborates with broadcasters and media outlets to integrate its into game coverage and commentary. This influence extends to executive hiring, as many FanGraphs writers have transitioned to roles in MLB front offices, underscoring the site's credibility in professional . FanGraphs cultivates a vibrant cultural impact by enabling community-driven discussions through article comments, forums, and crowdsourced rankings, where users debate player values during critical periods like free agency and deadlines. Series such as the annual rankings and predictions spark widespread engagement, informing public discourse on roster moves and contract negotiations. As of 2025, FanGraphs maintains a robust operation with 15 full-time staff and 17 contributing writers, as detailed in its annual "State of FanGraphs" report, supporting ongoing contributions to baseball's analytical ecosystem.

History

Founding and Early Development

FanGraphs was founded on August 15, 2005, by David Appelman, a 23-year-old software developer working at who had developed a passion for through fantasy leagues and resources like Ron Shandler's BaseballHQ. Appelman, skilled in data visualization from his role graphing dial-up metrics, sought to address the scarcity of user-friendly graphical tools for sabermetric statistics in the early , initially aiming to aid fantasy decisions with accessible performance charts. The site launched as a straightforward graphing platform, featuring just 10 basic charts for batters and pitchers that pulled data from external sources such as Baseball-Reference and Baseball Info Solutions, without any original analytical content or commentary. Appelman coded the initial version single-handedly starting in April 2005, focusing on simple visualizations to validate player stats rather than in-depth analysis. In its early years, FanGraphs faced significant challenges as a solo endeavor with limited content and slow growth, prompting Appelman to quit his job in summer and work full-time from his parents' home, though he nearly abandoned the project in due to isolation and lack of traction. To build community, it began relying on volunteer submissions via a basic feature, and the operation was incorporated as Fangraphs Inc. in Arlington, , where Appelman resided. By , the site saw its first key expansions, including the addition of basic leaderboards, historical player data dating back to 1871, and statistics, broadening its scope beyond initial fantasy tools. This period laid the groundwork for FanGraphs' evolution into a comprehensive platform.

Key Milestones and Expansions

In 2008, FanGraphs marked a pivotal shift toward analysis by hiring its first dedicated writers, including Dave Cameron, whose inaugural post appeared on April 14. This move transformed the site from a primarily data-focused platform into one featuring in-depth articles and commentary from sabermetric experts, fostering a community-driven environment through the newly launched . Later that year, in December, the site introduced its Win Values metric (a precursor to Wins Above Replacement, or WAR) in collaboration with Tom Tango and Sean Smith, establishing a standardized framework for player evaluation that became a cornerstone of . The following year, on September 26, 2009, FanGraphs expanded accessibility with the launch of its first app, enabling users to access player statistics and graphs on mobile devices for the first time. During the , FanGraphs pursued significant expansions to broaden its content and data offerings. In 2012, the site acquired The Hardball Times, integrating its long-standing tradition of advanced statistical articles and annual publications into the FanGraphs ecosystem, which enhanced coverage of sabermetric research. The humor-focused NotGraphs blog, a unique outlet for satirical content, concluded operations in October 2014, allowing resources to refocus on core analytical features. In late 2018, Dan Szymborski joined as a senior writer, bringing his projection system to FanGraphs for the first time and integrating it as a key tool for preseason and in-season forecasts. Entering the 2020s, FanGraphs continued evolving its digital presence and amid growing operational demands. The original iPhone app was discontinued after over a decade, but a redesigned mobile application for both and Android launched on August 22, 2022, incorporating player pages, live scores, standings, and quick leaderboards to better serve on-the-go users. In March 2023, the long-running FanGraphs Audio ended after 1,015 episodes, with producer Dylan Higgins signing off in the final installment to shift priorities toward written and visual content. To sustain its independent operations, FanGraphs implemented a metered on September 13, 2024, allowing 10 free articles per rolling 30 days before requiring membership for unlimited access. On August 15, 2025, FanGraphs celebrated its 20th anniversary with site-wide balloons linking to historical articles and reflections from founder David Appelman on its growth from a solo project to a team with 11 full-time editorial staff members. Over the years, expansions have included enhanced coverage of international leagues, such as prospect rankings for the annual July 2 signing class, and daily updates to depth charts that incorporate the latest transactions, injuries, and roster moves across MLB and affiliated minors.

Products and Platforms

Websites and Blogs

The primary website of FanGraphs, fangraphs.com, serves as the central hub for baseball statistics, leaderboards, and in-depth analysis, offering comprehensive player and team data alongside daily articles on performance trends and strategic insights. Users can access customizable leaderboards featuring metrics such as games played, plate appearances, home runs, runs, and runs batted in, enabling tailored views of Major League, minor league, and historical performances. The site also integrates visualizations like playoff odds graphs and projected standings to contextualize current season dynamics. RotoGraphs, a specialized within the FanGraphs , focuses on strategies, providing rankings, sleeper and bust analyses, and auction advice to guide league participants. It features columns like "Mining the News" for daily recaps of roto-relevant developments and tiered prospect evaluations to aid dynasty and seasonal planning. The Community Blog allows users to submit original research and engage in discussions on advanced sabermetric topics, with guidelines requiring at least 250 words per article and a limit of two submissions per week. Relaunched on January 14, 2025, it emphasizes novel contributions subject to editorial approval, fostering collaborative exploration of player evaluations and statistical methodologies. The Sabermetrics Library acts as an educational repository, offering detailed explanations of key metrics such as , alongside guides to , , and to demystify their calculations and applications. It includes beginner resources on descriptive versus predictive stats, like , to build foundational understanding of run values and player contributions. Additional web features include the Library of Graphs, which visualizes historical data through player-specific charts tracking advanced metrics like WAR (Wins Above Replacement), wRC+ (weighted Runs Created Plus), and FIP over seasons, ages, or games with rolling averages. Previously, NotGraphs provided satirical content from 2010 to 2014, blending humor with commentary before its discontinuation in October 2014.

Mobile Applications

FanGraphs first ventured into mobile applications with the launch of an app on September 26, 2009, developed in partnership with Hawk Ridge Consulting. This initial offering provided users with access to live graphs, box scores, play-by-play data, and comprehensive player statistics, including basic, advanced, and value metrics across major and minor leagues, as well as historical game data dating back to 1974. Priced at $2.99 and available on and , the app aimed to deliver FanGraphs' analytical content in a portable format, though it was eventually discontinued after its early years. The platform relaunched its mobile presence on August 22, 2022, introducing updated applications for both iOS and Android devices to offer a native mobile experience mirroring the website's core functionalities. These apps feature real-time live scores, win expectancy graphs, player pages with season stats, splits, and game logs, as well as standings that incorporate playoff odds. Additional elements include a RosterResource tab for team-related insights and quick leaderboards for streamlined data access, with all content syncing seamlessly with the main FanGraphs website's statistics and visualizations. The free version includes ads, while FanGraphs Members enjoy an ad-free experience and exclusive customizations, such as personalized bottom tabs and dashboards. Memberships are available via in-app purchase at $15 monthly or $80 annually (as of August 2025). By 2025, the apps have evolved to enhance on-the-go accessibility for enthusiasts, supporting features like updated win expectancy graphs and player search with current stats, along with improvements to the live data feed.

Publications and Books

FanGraphs has engaged in efforts primarily focused on fantasy resources and sabermetric analyses through both print and digital formats. The organization's flagship publication is the FanGraphs Second Opinion: Fantasy Companion, first released in as a comprehensive guide for fantasy enthusiasts. This book provided detailed player rankings, projections derived from FanGraphs' systems, and strategic advice for draft preparation and in-season management, drawing on the site's analytical expertise to offer an alternative perspective to mainstream fantasy guides. Priced initially at $7.95 for digital download, it was produced annually from to at least 2012 to recap the prior season's performance and preview the upcoming one, emphasizing data-driven insights over traditional reports. In addition to the Second Opinion, FanGraphs staff and contributors have authored or co-authored several books that extend the site's sabermetric focus into print media. A notable example is Future Value: The Battle for Baseball's Soul and How Teams Will End Up Buying It (2020), written by FanGraphs prospect analysts Eric Longenhagen and Kiley McDaniel, which explores modern practices, player , and the evolving role of in talent acquisition. This work highlights the tension between traditional and data-oriented approaches, using case studies from major league teams to illustrate key concepts. Earlier, through its integration with The Hardball Times (acquired by FanGraphs in ), the organization collaborated on the Hardball Times Baseball Annual from 2004 to 2018, with ACTA Sports serving as publisher from 2006 to ; these volumes compiled advanced statistical essays, projections, and historical analyses contributed by FanGraphs-affiliated writers. FanGraphs' digital publishing includes PDF editions of the Second Opinion available directly through the organization's website store, catering to users seeking portable, affordable access to its content without physical copies. While physical versions of staff-authored books like Future Value are distributed via major retailers such as Amazon and Triumph Books, the Hardball Times Annuals were sold through ACTA Sports' catalog during their partnership, which emphasized high-quality statistical publications. These efforts underscore FanGraphs' commitment to disseminating analytical tools beyond online platforms, often tying into broader fantasy resources like brief mentions in related podcasts for promotional synergy.

Audio and Multimedia Content

Podcasts

FanGraphs produces several podcasts that delve into , strategy, and fantasy advice, providing audio content that complements its written analyses. These programs feature discussions on (MLB) news, sabermetric concepts, player evaluations, and interviews with experts, often hosted by site contributors. The flagship , Effectively Wild, launched on July 18, 2012, and airs three episodes per week, covering a broad range of topics including current MLB events, advanced statistics, historical anecdotes, and guest interviews. Hosted by Ben Lindbergh of The Ringer and Meg Rowley of FanGraphs, the show blends rigorous analysis with engaging banter, frequently featuring appearances by FanGraphs staff such as projection system creators and writers. By November 2025, Effectively Wild had surpassed 2,300 episodes, establishing it as one of the longest-running . Another key offering is The Sleeper and the Bust, a weekly dedicated to , where hosts Justin Mason and Jason Collette analyze potential "sleeper" players who could outperform expectations and "bust" risks for those who might underperform. Episodes typically include wire recommendations, evaluations, and two-start discussions, drawing on FanGraphs' projection systems for data-driven insights. The show, which began in the early as part of the site's fantasy ecosystem, continues to release episodes regularly, with the latest in November 2025 focusing on late-season acquisitions and value assessments (FAAB). FanGraphs also produces Beat the Shift, a weekly fantasy podcast that covers player analysis, prospect evaluations, and industry trends, often featuring guest experts and live event recaps. Launched in the early 2010s and hosted by a rotating team of FanGraphs contributors including Dylan Higgins and Paul Sporer in earlier seasons, it has continued into 2025 with episodes on topics like coverage and 2025 prospect rankings. FanGraphs ran FanGraphs Audio, a roundtable-style that aired from 2008 until its conclusion in March 2023, featuring site writers discussing timely topics like prospect evaluations, trade deadlines, and statistical trends. Hosted variably by contributors such as Dylan Higgins in its final years, the program produced over 1,000 episodes and often included interviews with players, analysts, and industry insiders before transitioning to archived status. All active FanGraphs podcasts are distributed on major platforms including and , with ad-supported episodes available for free and additional perks like bonus content for members. By 2025, Effectively Wild alone had generated thousands of hours of content, underscoring FanGraphs' commitment to accessible education on .

Other Media Initiatives

FanGraphs maintains an active YouTube channel that produces video content focused on baseball statistics, analysis, and projections, including explainer videos on site tools and live streams related to drafts and games. The channel features tutorials such as the 2021 "FanGraphs 'The Board' Tutorial," which demonstrates how to use customizable leaderboards for advanced statistical comparisons. In 2025, it continued to host draft-related content, exemplified by the October upload of "Effectively Wild Episode 2393: The World Series Game 3 Draft," a streamed discussion analyzing key moments through statistical lenses. Beyond online videos, FanGraphs organizes live events to engage fans with experts, including a membership-exclusive live sports speaker series that facilitates interactive discussions on topics. These efforts build on earlier initiatives like the 2016 FanGraphs Summer Tour in partnership with Pitch Talks, a speaker series held in venues such as bars and clubs, featuring panels with FanGraphs staff and local analysts to explore team strategies and data-driven insights. While not tied directly to MLB ballparks, these gatherings emphasize interaction and have included virtual elements in broader contexts, such as contributions to conferences like the Analytics series. FanGraphs extends its reach through collaborations with major broadcasters, where staff members provide expert commentary on advanced metrics. Senior writer Jay Jaffe has made recurring guest appearances on programs like "MLB Now," discussing player evaluations and statistical trends. Similarly, the platform's influence appears in broadcasts that integrate advanced statistics, as seen in 2015's Astros-Giants game analysis led by host Brian Kenny and featuring FanGraphs contributor Rob Neyer, who highlighted metrics like and FIP during play-by-play. These partnerships aid in incorporating FanGraphs-style data into mainstream viewing, enhancing audience understanding of on-field performance. In 2025, FanGraphs launched the Fan Exchange Program, a community-driven initiative encouraging participants to temporarily adopt a different MLB team for one week to foster broader perspectives on the sport. The program included entrance surveys assessing fans' initial team loyalties and analytical views, followed by an exit survey and a comprehensive summary analyzing shifts in opinions, such as rankings of team quality on a 20-80 scale. recaps were shared via blog posts and , capturing participant experiences and tying them to statistical discussions of team dynamics.

Analytical Tools and Features

Statistics and Data Visualization

FanGraphs provides customizable leaderboards that serve as a core tool for accessing and analyzing baseball statistics across Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MiLB). These leaderboards allow users to view player and team data in tabular format, with options to sort by a wide array of metrics, including advanced ones like expected ERA (xERA), which estimates a pitcher's performance based on contact quality, and sprint speed, measuring a player's maximum effort running speed in feet per second. Users can filter results by league, season, position, handedness, splits (e.g., versus left-handed pitchers), age range, and minimum playing time thresholds, such as 100 plate appearances, enabling tailored views for specific research needs. Data spans single seasons or multi-year ranges, supporting comparisons across eras. The platform's graphing and charting capabilities offer interactive visualizations to explore player and performance dynamically. On player pages, line graphs depict trends in key statistics over time, such as s or across seasons, allowing users to hover for detailed values and compare multiple players side-by-side. For -level , line charts track metrics like or run differential throughout a season, highlighting peaks and declines. Scatter plots are utilized to illustrate correlations between variables, for instance, plotting average exit against output to reveal relationships between batted ball quality and power production, with data points representing players or seasons. FanGraphs draws from comprehensive data sources to power these tools, including a partnership with MLB's system, which has provided advanced tracking metrics like exit velocity, launch angle, and sprint speed since the 2015 season. This integration enables the inclusion of granular and pitching data not available in traditional box scores. Additionally, the site maintains historical datasets extending back to , covering MLB statistics from the league's inception through the , sourced from play-by-play records and retroactive calculations. Unique features enhance real-time engagement and probabilistic insights. The Live Daily Leaderboards deliver in-game updates on player statistics, such as runs, hits, and strikeouts, refreshing as events unfold during MLB games to track emerging leaders. Complementing this, the Guts! tool supplies contextual constants like scales and run-per-plate-appearance rates, derived from ongoing season data, to inform live evaluations of offensive and pitching efficiency. Playoff Odds graphs, updated daily, visualize each team's postseason probabilities—such as division wins or chances—as evolving line charts across the season, incorporating current standings and remaining schedules for forward-looking analysis.

Projection Systems and Models

FanGraphs provides several projection systems that forecast player and outcomes using statistical models grounded in historical , player age, and contextual factors such as effects and league trends. These tools enable users to evaluate potential contributions from players in upcoming seasons, supporting decisions in , fantasy , and front-office analysis. The primary systems include , Steamer, Depth Charts, and OOPSY, each employing distinct yet complementary methodologies to generate preseason and in-season predictions. ZiPS, short for the sZymborski Projection System, was developed by Dan Szymborski in 2003 while he contributed to Baseball Think Factory and has been a cornerstone of FanGraphs' offerings since its integration in the early . The system employs multivariate , drawing on a player's historical performance, comparable players (comps), and adjustments for aging curves to project statistics like , home runs, and . For instance, it baselines a player's stats against league averages and regresses them toward the mean while incorporating park and league factors to refine forecasts, emphasizing probabilistic outcomes for injury-prone or . ZiPS projections are released annually in late winter and updated midseason, providing detailed individual player outlooks that inform rankings and trade value assessments. Steamer, developed by Jared Cross, Dash Davidson, and Peter Rosenbloom, complements by focusing on an ensemble approach that blends historical data with underlying metrics, such as exit velocity and pitch usage derived from tracking technologies. It projects player stats over a full season or rest-of-season basis, factoring in age-related decline, injury history, and regression principles to estimate true talent levels—for example, forecasting a pitcher's rate by weighting recent performance more heavily than distant history. Steamer updates occur daily during the season, making it suitable for dynamic evaluations. Depth Charts builds on Steamer and by averaging their statistical projections and applying FanGraphs staff-curated playing time allocations to create team-level forecasts, which are used to simulate standings, playoff probabilities, and roster depth. This hybrid method accounts for real-world variables like splits and usage, offering a balanced view for organizational planning. In January 2025, FanGraphs introduced OOPSY, a new projection system that shares similarities with existing models but incorporates novel factors for improved forecasts. Developed internally, it aims to enhance accuracy in player performance predictions and is available alongside the other systems. These systems' applications extend to practical tools like trade value charts, where projected (Wins Above Replacement) helps quantify player worth, and rankings that highlight undervalued talent based on forecasted production. FanGraphs tracks projection accuracy annually through post-season reviews, underscoring the value of blending for robust predictions. Overall, these models prioritize verifiable historical patterns over speculative elements, with ongoing refinements based on empirical validation.

Fantasy Baseball Resources

RotoGraphs and Tools

RotoGraphs serves as FanGraphs' dedicated for fantasy , offering daily articles that delve into draft strategies, evaluations, and prospect evaluations to assist players in optimizing their rosters. Contributors such as Jeff Zimmerman provide in-depth insights, often focusing on player health risks and bold predictions to inform fantasy decisions. These pieces emphasize practical applications of advanced metrics, helping users identify undervalued players through sabermetric lenses rather than surface-level statistics. FanGraphs offers a suite of interactive fantasy tools tailored to various league formats, including the Auction Calculator, which generates dollar values based on customizable settings like roster size and scoring categories. The Player Rater tool adjusts rankings for points leagues versus traditional roto formats, incorporating projections to evaluate player worth across different setups. Additionally, keeper league rankings integrate long-term value assessments, allowing users to factor in dynasty considerations directly into their evaluations. Seasonal content on RotoGraphs includes comprehensive preseason rankings, such as top-200 hitter lists and positional breakdowns, which draw on aggregated expert projections to guide draft preparations. Midseason updates, including revised positional rankings and weekly columns like Mining the News, provide ongoing trade value insights to adapt to in-season performance shifts. A hallmark of RotoGraphs' approach is its sabermetric foundation, prioritizing predictive metrics like xFIP—which normalizes for luck and defense—over traditional to better forecast pitcher outcomes in fantasy contexts. This focus encourages users to target players with strong underlying skills, such as high rates, even if their early-season results appear underwhelming.

Ottoneu Leagues

Ottoneu is a custom fantasy baseball platform founded by Niv Shah and launched publicly on February 14, 2011, in partnership with FanGraphs, following an initial concept developed around 2005 to address limitations in traditional fantasy formats. The platform was integrated into FanGraphs to leverage its advanced analytics, creating a dynasty-style game that emphasizes sabermetric principles inspired by Moneyball. It supports fan-owned, commissioner-run leagues where participants can opt for real-money entry fees, with cash prizes awarded to top finishers in paid tiers starting at $50 per team and scaling up to $250, distributing payouts for first, second, and third place. The core format revolves around points-based scoring using FanGraphs statistics, such as FanGraphs Points (FGPTS), a linear weights system that rewards advanced metrics like for hitters and FIP for pitchers, alongside options for roto-style leagues including 6x6 categories with (OBP) and replacing traditional . Leagues feature 40-man rosters with 22 active spots, drafts for player acquisition, annual for salary increases on breakout performers, and year-round trading without waivers to simulate real MLB front office decisions. Commissioners have robust tools to customize rules, including scoring variants like Ottoneu Classic (a 4x4 sabermetric roto hybrid), innings limits, and playoff structures, fostering deep, strategic gameplay. Key events include the annual Ottoneu Prestige League (OPL), a 240-team best-ball tournament launched in 2021 that qualifies participants from active paid leagues and awards $7,200 in total cash prizes across the top 16 finishers, with $1,600 for first place (as of 2025). In 2025, FanGraphs contributor Chad Young reviewed his preseason bold predictions tailored to Ottoneu formats, assessing outcomes like prospect performances and player value shifts based on FGPTS and category impacts. The community comprises hundreds of active leagues with nearly 4,000 managers as of 2021, and remains engaged in 2025 with ongoing features like recaps and weekly player updates. RotoGraphs provides complementary strategy articles for Ottoneu players, focusing on dynasty management without overlapping league operations.

Staff and Contributors

Current Writers and Staff

As of November 2025, FanGraphs maintains a team of 16 full-time staff members and 17 contributing writers, who collectively produce content across blogs, podcasts, and analytical tools. David Appelman, the site's founder and owner, serves as the primary tech lead, overseeing development, content strategy, and operational aspects of the platform. Meg Rowley serves as since 2023, overseeing content production and co-hosting the Effectively Wild . Ben Lindbergh acts as co-host for the Effectively Wild , a key FanGraphs multimedia initiative, while also contributing editorial oversight to written analyses. Eric Longenhagen holds the role of lead prospect analyst, specializing in scouting reports and maintaining updates to The Board, FanGraphs' comprehensive prospect ranking system. Jeff Zimmerman contributes as a fantasy expert, producing articles on , projections, and bold predictions. The contributing writers handle specialized roles in content creation, with Ariel Cohen focusing on fantasy through RotoGraphs articles and the development of the ATC projection system. Mike Podhorzer contributes analytical pieces on player performance, projection reviews, and fantasy strategy, often integrating statistical models into blog posts and tools. In 2025, FanGraphs expanded its team with a full-time prospect writer hire, Brendan Gawlowski, to enhance coverage of and international talent. The staff reflects a blend of journalists, such as Lindbergh with his background, statisticians like , an by training, and scouting experts including Longenhagen, who previously worked in operations.

Former and Notable Contributors

Dave Cameron served as of FanGraphs from 2008 to 2018, during which he contributed extensively to the site's analytical content and direction. He joined the platform in April 2008 with an initial post analyzing Gabe Kapler's potential return to playing, marking the beginning of a decade-long tenure that shaped FanGraphs' focus on data-driven discourse. Cameron pioneered the site's transaction analysis columns, providing in-depth breakdowns of trades, signings, and roster moves that became a staple for evaluating team strategies and player values. Jeff Sullivan contributed as a writer for FanGraphs from 2012 to 2019, gaining recognition for his coverage of prospects and international player developments. His articles often explored emerging talents and global scouting trends, such as international signings and performances, helping to broaden the site's appeal beyond domestic . In 2019, Sullivan transitioned to a front-office role with the , reflecting a common path for FanGraphs into operations. Carson Cistulli was a key figure at FanGraphs as a senior writer and host of the FanGraphs Audio until 2018, while also creating the site's "Not Graphs" section, a humorous outlet for satirical content. Launched in 2009, Not Graphs featured Cistulli's distinctive style of whimsical essays and Instagraphs, blending with to engage a wider audience. He hosted numerous podcast episodes discussing player evaluations and league trends, concluding his regular involvement with the program in late 2018 before joining the Toronto Blue Jays. Other notable former contributors include , who wrote for FanGraphs in the early 2010s with a focus on fantasy implications of strategies and player projections. Keri's pieces, such as win totals for the 2011 season, integrated analytical insights with practical advice for fantasy players during his tenure from 2011 onward. Neil Weinberg served as FanGraphs' site educator starting in , producing educational content on and maintaining a focus on Tigers analysis through his affiliated blog, New English D. Weinberg hosted weekly chats to demystify advanced statistics for readers, contributing until around 2017 before stepping away. Many former FanGraphs contributors have transitioned to roles in front offices or broader media outlets, underscoring the site's influence on the industry. Their legacies include the development and popularization of key metrics, such as dollars-per-WAR valuations that translate player performance into financial context for runs above average. Archived articles and data from these contributors continue to provide foundational resources for analysis, maintaining their impact on ongoing discussions and research.

References

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