Todd ZolaFeb 12, 2026, 07:09 AM ETCloseTodd Zola is contributing writer for fantasy baseball at ESPN, specializing in game theory and player analysis. Todd is a member of the FSWA Hall of Fame. He won LABR and Tout Wars championships in 2016.Follow on XMultiple Authors
This isn’t just a real estate axiom used to express the significance of where a property is situated. It also applies to fantasy baseball, as in the location of the various ballparks and the location of the fences and other factors within the venue.
The other big news is that the Tampa Bay Rays will return to Tropicana Field. However, while there will be improvements to the amenities and fan experience, the playing surface will be the same as before, so the park should play similarly. Meanwhile, the Athletics will remain in Sacramento, but we now have a year’s worth of data to refine how Sutter Health Park plays.
What follows is our annual review of the general influences of park factors, a overview of different types of venues, and a breakdown of Kauffman Stadium, Tropicana Field and Sutter Health Park.
A lot of foul territory benefits pitchers. Sometimes, it’s not the acreage that matters, but the placement. For example, Citizens Bank Park doesn’t have an inordinate amount of foul territory, but its location consistently generates a high number of foul outs every season.
The batter’s eye is the area directly behind the pitcher which is in the line of sight of hitters. These areas are not uniform between parks. Some teams make it easier (or harder) for the batter to pick up the ball and recognize spin as it leaves the pitcher’s hand. Lighting can be a factor as well. One example is Fenway Park, where there is a tarpaulin placed over a section of bleacher seats in straight-away center field for day games only.
Baseballs tend to travel more in less dense air due to reduced resistance. The higher the temperature, the less dense the air. It may seem counterintuitive since humidity involves water and humid air often “feels heavy” especially at elevated temperatures, but water vapor is actually less dense than the molecules it displaces. Additionally, warmer air can hold more water vapor.
Clearly, wind has been an ingredient since the first pitch ever was thrown. However, it’s only recently that Statcast has begun to quantify the effect. It goes beyond the focus of this discussion, but for those interested in a deeper dive, check out this article by MLB.com’s Mike Petriello.
Air thins (and becomes less dense) the higher it is above sea level. Keep in mind that thinner air doesn’t just affect batted balls. A fastball reaches the plate a little faster in less dense air. High-spin offerings are also not as effective since there is less air cushion inducing movement.
Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers), Busch Stadium (St. Louis Cardinals), Tropicana Field (Rays), and loanDepot Park (Miami Marlins) are true pitching venues. They’re all bigger than average, but not to the point where outfielders must commit to playing shallow to cut off the bloopers or deeper to prevent extra base hits.
Before the unfortunate damage to Tropicana Field, it was one of the top pitching venues in baseball, and it should return to that status this season. The dimensions will remain the same. What isn’t clear is if constructing a new roof will help the occasional fly ball from being lost or even hitting a catwalk.
Many are assuming runs will piggyback, but that could be premature. Prior to the change, the venue played as a hitter’s park. The outfield exhibited the most acreage in MLB, even more than Coors Field. The hot and humid weather in the Midwest during the summer helps fly balls carry, but not as much as the thin air of Denver. The vast expanse of both venues boosted fly ball hits, especially doubles and triples. With less real estate to cover in Kauffman Stadium, outfield hits may drop, especially those for extra bases.
Todd ZolaFeb 12, 2026, 07:09 AM ETCloseTodd Zola is contributing writer for fantasy baseball at ESPN, specializing in game theory and player analysis. Todd is a member of the FSWA Hall of Fame. He won LABR and Tout Wars championships in 2016.Follow on XMultiple Authors
CloseTodd Zola is contributing writer for fantasy baseball at ESPN, specializing in game theory and player analysis. Todd is a member of the FSWA Hall of Fame. He won LABR and Tout Wars championships in 2016.Follow on X