MLB 22 Team Builder

How the team builder works

How does the MLB 22 team builder pick a team?

With weights and rules you can read, not a model. Each card gets a value for each job from its ratings: contact, power, vision and discipline against each pitcher hand, glove at each position, and the pitching ratings that matter for starting or relieving. It then picks the 13 hitters that make the best lineups against both right- and left-handed starters, and the 13 pitchers that make the best staff, with one card per player.

Why does it care about arm angles?

Because a hitter who has just timed one release is worst prepared for a very different one. Eight relievers who all throw over the top from the right let a hitter settle in; a sidearm lefty after an over-the-top righty does not. So the bullpen is chosen and ordered to show as many different looks, by throwing hand and arm slot, as it can without giving up real quality, and the page tells you what that variety cost.

Where do the arm angles come from?

From the real pitcher's release, measured by Statcast since 2020. Pitchers from before then have no measured angle, so some legends show an estimate from their delivery, marked with a "~". Estimates are replaced as angles are measured in the game. You can switch arm angles off, and pitchers with no known angle always count by throwing hand alone.

Why are there two lineups?

The game keeps a separate lineup against left-handed starters, and most of a squad's edge is in using it. The builder picks the bench with that in mind: a hitter who crushes lefties earns a bench spot by starting against them.

How is the batting order set?

Standard lineup construction: on-base and speed at the top, the best bats second and fourth, power third and fifth. It also avoids three left-handed bats in a row where it can, since one left-handed reliever could face all three. Every possible order is checked.

Can I build only from cards I own?

Yes, with Premium and the browser extension's inventory sync. Everyone can build from every card, and when you're signed in and synced every squad shows which cards you own, what the rest cost, and how to earn the ones the market doesn't sell.

How does it pick a home stadium?

From the fences and the lineup. A park scores well when its short fences sit where your power hitters pull the ball, using each real hitter's spray and Statcast's home-run factors for each batter hand, minus a little if your staff gives up the long ball.

Can I build on a budget?

Set a stub limit and the builder spends it where it helps most. Cards you own count as free. With Premium, it can also take your owned squad and list the purchases that would improve it most for the stubs.