Positional adjustment: a .750 OPS shortstop ≠ a .750 OPS first baseman
Same bat, different value. Why does the defensive spectrum pay dividends to some hitters?
Positions differ in difficulty and scarcity. Catchers, shortstops, and center fielders do defensive jobs most humans can't; first basemen and DHs occupy spots almost any big-leaguer could fill. So the same offense from a harder position is worth more — there's no cheap replacement who can both field it and hit.
The rough scale
Per season: C ≈ +12 runs, SS ≈ +7, CF ≈ +2, 2B/3B ≈ +2–3, corner outfield ≈ −7, 1B ≈ −12, DH ≈ −17. Read it as rent: premium positions collect it, bat-only positions pay it. A 110 wRC+ shortstop is a star; a 110 wRC+ DH is barely holding a job.
This is the last ingredient WAR needs: offense (wRAA), defense (OAA-based runs), baserunning, and now the exchange rate between positions. One level to go.
How this stat lies to you
- Adjustments are league-wide averages — a truly elite defensive 1B is underpaid by the flat −12.
- Multi-position players get blended adjustments that can misprice them.
- It measures where you stood, not how well — pair it with OAA before concluding anything.
Check yourself
1. Why does a shortstop get a positive adjustment?
2. Two hitters, both 120 wRC+, one a catcher, one a DH. Total value?