MLB Park Factors Guide

Understanding how ballparks affect game outcomes is one of the most undervalued edges in baseball betting. This guide breaks down every park's impact on runs, home runs, and betting lines.

What Are Park Factors?

The Science Behind Ballpark Effects

Not all baseball stadiums are created equal. Dimensions, altitude, weather patterns, wind currents, and even wall materials create environments that either favor hitters or pitchers. A run scored at Coors Field is not equivalent to a run scored at Oracle Park - and smart bettors know this.

Park factors are expressed as numbers relative to 100 (league average). A park factor of 110 means 10% more runs are scored there than average. A factor of 90 means 10% fewer runs.

115

Coors Field (Highest)

112

Great American (CIN)

Oracle Park (SF)

T-Mobile Park (SEA)

Hitter-Friendly Parks

Coors Field (Colorado Rockies)

The most extreme hitter's park in baseball due to altitude (5,280 feet). The thin air reduces air resistance on batted balls and makes breaking pitches less effective. Average game total is 1.5+ runs higher than league average.

Park Factor: 115 (runs) | 125 (home runs)

Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati Reds)

Short dimensions down both lines and a jet stream that carries balls to right field make this a homer haven. The 325-foot fence in right is one of the shortest in baseball.

Park Factor: 112 (runs) | 118 (home runs)

Fenway Park (Boston Red Sox)

The Green Monster creates doubles but suppresses some home runs. Still plays as a hitter's park overall due to short right field and weather patterns. Best for contact hitters who spray line drives.

Park Factor: 108 (runs) | 95 (home runs)

Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers)

Despite the roof, this park plays hot due to dry air and favorable dimensions. Center field at 407 feet sounds deep, but the ball carries well off the bat.

Park Factor: 106 (runs) | 110 (home runs)

BETTING INSIGHT: In hitter-friendly parks, totals are often inflated but still worth playing OVER when both teams have strong lineups and weak bullpens. The extra variance creates value.

Pitcher-Friendly Parks

Oracle Park (San Francisco Giants)

The most pitcher-friendly park in baseball. Cold night air, thick fog rolling in from the bay, and cavernous dimensions to right-center (399 feet) kill offense. The "Triples Alley" in right-center creates unusual batted ball outcomes.

Park Factor: 88 (runs) | 82 (home runs)

T-Mobile Park (Seattle Mariners)

The retractable roof suppresses offense even when open. Marine layer air holds balls down, and the deep center field (401 feet) turns would-be homers into flyouts. Favors ground ball pitchers.

Park Factor: 86 (runs) | 84 (home runs)

Tropicana Field (Tampa Bay Rays)

The artificial turf and low ceiling create unpredictable bounces, but overall the domed environment suppresses offense. The catwalks and lights also create visual challenges for hitters.

Park Factor: 91 (runs) | 88 (home runs)

Citi Field (New York Mets)

Despite renovations, this park still plays as a pitcher's haven. The dimensions favor pitchers, and the ballpark sits in a wind corridor that often blows in from right field.

Park Factor: 92 (runs) | 90 (home runs)

BETTING INSIGHT: Pitcher parks create value on UNDERS when two ground ball pitchers face off. The vig on totals is lower than sides, making UNDERS in Seattle/SF games mathematically attractive spots.

Complete Park Factor Rankings

Rank	Ballpark	Team	Run Factor	HR Factor	Type
1	Coors Field	COL	115	125	Extreme Hitter
2	Great American BP	CIN	112	118	Hitter
3	Fenway Park	BOS	108	95	Hitter
4	Globe Life Field	TEX	106	110	Hitter
5	Citizens Bank Park	PHI	105	112	Hitter
6	Yankee Stadium	NYY	104	115	Hitter (HR)
7	Wrigley Field	CHC	103	105	Neutral+
8	Minute Maid Park	HOU	102	108	Neutral+
9-15	Various	-	98-101	-	Neutral
16	Dodger Stadium	LAD	97	102	Neutral-
17	Kauffman Stadium	KC	95	90	Pitcher
18	Citi Field	NYM	92	90	Pitcher
19	Tropicana Field	TB	91	88	Pitcher
20	Oracle Park	SF	88	82	Pitcher
21	T-Mobile Park	SEA	86	84	Extreme Pitcher

Betting Applications

How Park Factors Affect Your Bets

1. Totals Adjustment

The most direct application. A 9-run total at Coors Field is not the same as 9 at Oracle Park. When the line seems off, check the venue. Sharps account for park factors in every total bet.

2. Pitcher Props

Strikeout props are less affected by park factors, but hits allowed and earned runs are heavily influenced. Fade "elite" pitchers at Coors; back middling arms at Oracle Park.

3. First Five Innings (F5)

Park factors compound as games go longer. In extreme pitcher parks, bet F5 unders even when the full game total seems reasonable.

4. Home/Road Splits

Colorado hitters are notorious for poor road splits - their eyes adjust to Coors, making it harder to track pitches at normal altitude. Fade Rockies hitters on the road.

ADVANCED TIP: Park factors shift throughout the season. April games at Wrigley play like pitcher parks due to cold wind. July games at Wrigley are a different story. Track monthly splits, not just yearly averages.

Weather and Wind Effects

The Invisible Variables

Park factors are just the baseline. Daily conditions add another layer of complexity that separates amateur bettors from professionals.

Wind In (10+ mph): Subtract 0.5-1.5 runs from expected total
Wind Out (10+ mph): Add 0.5-1.5 runs to expected total
Temperature above 80°F: Ball carries 5-8% further than at 60°F
Humidity above 70%: Slightly suppresses offense (heavier air)
Day games: Hitters see the ball better; slight offensive boost
Night games after day games: Tired lineups, fade offense

Tools like RotoGrinders and Weather.gov provide real-time wind data at park level. Check these 2-3 hours before first pitch when lines are most vulnerable to adjustment.