Cubs Quick Hits: What Good Is Exit Velocity, Anyway?

We know that fastballs in the mid-90’s are effective, but what batted-ball exit velocities are considered good? Tom Tango, a pioneer of baseball statics, answered this question.

Above league average is at 95+ mph. pic.twitter.com/gHA232uerQ

— Tangotiger (@tangotiger) May 9, 2017

Tango plotted wOBA as a function of exit velocity, finding that once exit velocity rises around 95 MPH, wOBA dramatically increases. That means that when you see 95 mph light up on your Gameday app after contact is made, you know the hitter has a better chance of reaching base.

Sure, you’ll have your bleeders and duck snorts here and there, but higher exit velocities are a clear predictor of better offensive results.