Statcast 101: What Is Barrel Rate?
We explain what a Barrel is, how it's calculated, and why the combination of exit velocity and launch angle matters.
A Barrel is a batted ball whose combination of exit velocity and launch angle produces at least a .500 AVG and 1.500 SLG historically.
The baseline is 98+ mph exit velocity at 26-30° launch angle, with the angle range widening as velocity increases.
Hitters with high barrel rates tend to generate HRs and extra-base hits. Ohtani's 22.1% rate is elite in MLB.
That said, barrel rate alone doesn't tell the full story — it should be read alongside contact rate and plate discipline.