MLB SIM uses the Pitcher DNA system to classify every pitcher into one of 17 archetypes based on their pitch mix, velocity, movement, and approach. Every batter has historical performance data against each archetype — because baseball is fundamentally a 1v1 sport, the specific pitcher a batter faces defines their expected performance.
When lineups are released, MLB SIM projects every batter's performance based on how they've historically hit against the opposing pitcher's archetype. This produces per-game Matchup Scores that change daily depending on the starter.
MS is a context-dependent metric that changes each game based on the specific pitcher archetype a batter faces. A batter can be a 92 against a fastball-heavy pitcher but a 48 against a curveball specialist.
| 85-99 | Elite Matchup — historically dominant vs this archetype |
| 70-84 | Favorable — above-average performance expected |
| 55-69 | Neutral — roughly league-average |
| 40-54 | Tough Matchup — historically struggles vs this archetype |
Team runs are projected using the BaseRuns formula, a context-neutral run estimator:
Batter projections use archetype-specific wOBA with head-to-head adjustments when sufficient plate appearance history exists.