RELIEVERS: An early look at Leverage Index

This week, the column looks at Leverage Index for a few pens. Leverage Index (LI) was developed by Tom Tango and measures the amount of swing in the possible change in win probability indexed against an average value of 1.00. Relievers who come into games in various situations create a composite score around 1.00, when aggregated. Because the average score for relievers is 1.00, relievers with higher LI scores (above 1.00) have managers who show greater confidence in them to win games than relievers with a lower LI score.

One might ask why this is important. The main reason is that LI allows us to identify a developing usage pattern for particular relievers in a given pen far earlier than just by scanning box scores. Games yield very...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Relief Pitchers

Teams are moving relievers and this column has early impacts, starting with Paul Sewald's demotion and A.J. Minter (LHP, MIN) to the surging Twins, where he will pair with Yoendrys Gómez (pictured).
Aug 2 2026 3:07am
Skills always matter. Here are five more pens as we head towards August.
Jul 26 2026 3:05am
Buyers and sellers at the deadline always disrupt bullpens. Here are some potential teams to watch.
Jul 19 2026 3:06am
The relievers in this article are the ones most likely to have 20 or more holds at the end of the season.
Jul 12 2026 3:06am
This column examines the RPs who have at least a 20% K%-BB%, no more than a 1.0 HR/9, and no more than a 3.50 xERA as of July 1.
Jul 5 2026 3:09am

Tools