Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Acquisition Targets Based On DRC+

Based on the statistic deserved runs created plus, or DRC+, who are some buy-low candidates the Pittsburgh Pirates could go after?

There are many ways to predict a player’s future performance. But one thing that isn’t always the best indicator is past performance. What you see from any rate stat like batting average, OBP, SLG%, wOBA, or more advanced metrics like wRC+ or OPS+ only tell you how good that player did that season. There is no predictive element to any of those stats. Expected numbers on Baseball Savant are one way to look at it, but one of the most advanced predictive measurements is DRC+.

Deserved runs created plus, or DRC+, is a stat created by Baseball Prospectus. It’s their version of OPS+ or wRC+, however it’s much more predictive. OPS+ is solely based on OPS, and wRC+ is solely based on wOBA, and both are adjusted for the league average run environment and park factors. DRC+ is adjusted for league and park factors but takes much more into account than just that alone to try and make a predictive figure. If you want a greater explaination of the statistic, you can visit these two links here and here to learn more on Baseball Prospectus' site, the source of the stat.

The Pittsburgh Pirates need to be active in this year’s trade and markets. They've been off to a slow start, but now is the time to get the ball rolling. But they could definitely find some potential diamonds in the rough or players teams would be willing to sell low on based on DRC+.