If you’re going to a Major League Baseball game or watching one on television, you probably prefer a high-scoring affair. After all, the most action comes when the ball is put in play and there are runners on base.
But since every stadium is different, the location of a game can have an impact on how much action you’re likely to see. Some parks promote more offense, while others depress it.
By looking at Statcast data, we can compare all MLB parks to see which ones are more likely to give up singles, doubles, triples and home runs – and uncover which are the most hitter-friendly.
What is Park Factor?
The most practical way to gauge a ballpark’s effect on hitting is by looking at a stat called Park Factor. In its simplest form, park factor is determined by comparing the cumulative stats of players from games in that park vs. the stats of those same players from games in other parks.
To get a single park factor number, the results are scaled to a league average of 100. So the higher the park factor, the more hitter-friendly the stadium. Conversely, the lower the park factor, the more pitcher-friendly it is.
Also, those numbers for each ballpark can vary from year to year due to differences in temperature, weather and schedules. So the most accurate park factors are derived by taking an average of the past three years.
MLB’s most hitter-friendly ballparks
Using a rolling three-year average, Coors Field in Denver – home of the Colorado Rockies – is the most hitter-friendly venue in the majors. Its park factor of 112 means that from 2023-2025, total offensive output in games played at Coors Field has been 12% above the major league average. Not surprising considering the stadium’s mile-high altitude and storied reputation as a hitter’s paradise.
The five highest overall Park Factors:
Coors Field (Colorado Rockies) 112Fenway Park (Boston Red Sox) 105Chase Field (Arizona Diamondbacks) 104Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati Reds) 103Target Field (Minnesota Twins) 102
The rest of the top 10: loanDepot Park (Miami Marlins), Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles Dodgers), Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles), Daikin Park (Houston Astros) and Nationals Park (Washington Nationals).
Easiest MLB parks for home runs
But maybe run scoring isn’t really your thing. You just want to see those sluggers hit dingers. That info is readily available as well.
The five highest Park Factors for home runs:
Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati Reds) 128Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles Dodgers) 127Yankee Stadium (New York Yankees) 122Angel Stadium (Los Angeles Angels) 113Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia Phillies) 112
Rounding out the top 10: Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers), Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles), American Family Field (Milwaukee Brewers), Target Field (Minnesota Twins) and Daikin Park (Houston Astros).
What about the temporary minor league parks?
We don’t have three years’ worth of data for Sutter Health Park (Athletics) and Steinbrenner Field (Rays). So based on a little over the two months the two teams have been playing in their temporary home parks, here’s how they compare to the other established major league stadiums.
Sutter Health Park –West Sacramento, California
Overall Park Factor: 112 (second in majors)HR Park Factor: 114 (seventh)
George M. Steinbrenner Field –Tampa, Florida
Overall Park Factor: 100 (13th)HR Park Factor: 119 (sixth)
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Which MLB stadiums are best for hitters, give up most home runs?
