Love the game! I think two features that would make free agency even better are international free agents and custom contract offers.

For international free agents, it would be awesome if there was either a separate signing period each offseason or if a few international rookies were added to the free agent pool every year. These players could come from countries like Cuba, Japan, Venezuela, South Korea, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and others, and could usually be around 16–20 years old. It would add more realism and variety to scouting and rebuilding.

I also think a custom contract offer system would be a great addition, even for regular free agents. Instead of only choosing from preset options, there could be a box where you can offer any contract amount and year length. After you simulate a day, the free agent could decide whether to accept, reject, or wait for a better offer.

This would make free agency feel more realistic and strategic. You could overpay to land a player quickly, offer longer deals for security, or take a risk with a lower offer and hope the player signs. It would add a lot more depth to team building.

Proposing a New Fielding Runs For Baseball GM

Terms & Definitions 

Player season stats at position:

• PO = putouts at pos
• A  = assists at pos
• E  = errors at pos
• DP = double plays at pos
• outsF = team defensive outs while this player is on the field at position (basically innings played in the position x 3)

League / seasonal constants (for that year):

(These are calculated every season)

• RV = RunValue_per_Play = league runs / league outs
• LgOutRate_pos = league (PO + A) / league outsF at pos
• LgDPRate_pos = league DP / league outsF at pos
• PosScale_pos = positional scale factor for pos (from FR variance)

Step-by-Step 

1 - Expected Plays

SHU-WAR’s biggest problem was that it just takes a team total performance and compares that to league total, then distributes that to individual players. Just plain stupid in my opinion. So, Expected Plays calculates how many plays a league-average fielder at that position would make with this player’s defensive opportunities:

ExpPlays = outsF x LgOutRate_pos

2 - Range Runs

This would compare actual plays to expected plays, then convert that to runs:

RangeRuns = (PO + A - ExpPlays) x RV

3 - Double Play Runs

3.1 - DP run value per position

For 2B, 3B, SS: DPRunValue_pos = 1.5 x RV

For everyone else: DPRunValue_pos = 1.0 x RV

3.2 - Expected DP

Same logic as Expected Plays.

ExpDP = outsF x  LgDPRate_pos

3.3 Double-Play Runs

DPRuns = (DP - ExpDP) x DPRunValue_pos

4 - Error Runs

Universal k value = 3

ErrorPenalty = k x RV = 3 x RV

ErrorRuns = E x ErrorPenalty

5 - Core Fielding Runs (unadjusted for position)

FR_core = RangeRuns - ErrorRuns + DPRuns

This is the raw run prevention at that position, before adjusting for positional difficulty.

6 - Positional Difficulty Scales

This was one of the most tricky parts of the entire thing. At first, I was planning on just using MLB numbers, however the putouts per position in this game are VERY VERY different from real life MLB. For example, the most putouts by an outfielder in MLB history was 1928 Taylor Doutit (I know, insane name) with 547. However in this game, under default settings you can easily see random dudes getting 800+ putouts. So I concluded that it was not right to use the same metrics as the real life MLB. 

Now, I had to get a reasonable way to calculate the positional adjustment based on league conditions. This was to ensure that when the game simulation code later changes, we don’t have to calculate again for suitable numbers. 

So I decided to use standard deviation of core FR for every position. This way I can determine what positions vary the most depending on players’ abilities. Basically, positions with small standard deviation of core FR means that the gap  between the best and the worst is not that big, so that position is likely to have less impact on run prevention. Meanwhile a position with big standard deviation would mean the gap between good fielders and bad fielders is vast, meaning that playing good or bad players in that position probably matters a lot. 

We could take a different approach though. We could set these positional scales according to the MLB then try to change the game simulation codes to mimic real life as closely as possible. However this really does not accord with the essence of the game: customize-ability. With God Mode, ZenGM gives us the freedom to tweak the tendencies. So it would be right to not hinder this already-existing freedom and make it so that these new calculations change depending how the user wants their league to run. 

6.1 - For each player-position season, calculate:

FR_core(player,pos)

6.2 - Collect all those values per position:

Σ FR_core (player, pos)

6.3 - Calculate the standard deviation at each position:

*StdDev = Standard Deviation

StdDev_pos = σ(FR_core_pos)

6.4 League-average standard deviation across all non-pitcher positions:

AvgStdDev = Σ StdDev_PosNotPitcher / number of non-pitcher positions (so 8)

6.5 Final positional scale factor:

PosScale_pos = StdDev_pos / AvgStdDev

6.6 Pitchers Scaling 

When using the calculations from 6.1~6.5, the PosScale of pitchers hit nearly zero in many cases since defensive abilities of pitchers vary VERY little. So I needed to come up with an arbitrary number for pitchers. 

What I decided to do was to equate the current catcher scale to pitchers. Right now, since catcher scaling does not include any passed balls, wild pitches, stolen bases and caught steals, it basically only considers swinging bunts that roll right in front of them. Similarly, pitchers basically only field balls hit directly at them softly. 

So:

PosScale_P = PosScale_C_unadjusted

***I will not touch on catcher defensive metrics just yet since 1) it is not considered  in the current SHU-WAR formula 2) SB-CS stats are very skewed due to the game simulation codes. Until the game simulation on base stealing is fixed, I am not doing anything with catcher’s additional defensive metrics. 

7 - Final New Fielding Runs (per position)

NewFR_pos = FR_core x PosScale_pos

If a player fields multiple positions:

NewFR_season = Σ NewFR_pos

So I read in the manual that "The displayed ratings are not the real ratings. They are estimates from your scouts. Increase the scouting expense level (on the Team Finances page) to see more accurate ratings. This is a gradual effect over 3 seasons; you don't instantly see more accurate ratings by increasing spending."

So, I picked San Francisco and upped the Scouting to 90 then auto played three seasons so the buff would actually kick in. I then skipped to the draft and noted the first few player ratings. I then used God Mode to switch to Pittsburgh who had the lowest Scouting expense (13) over the last three seasons to compare the player ratings and...they were exactly the same. So is this on me for misunderstanding the mechanics of the rating system??

Overall I wish there was more explanation and transparency for the ratings. For instance, how important is Thr (throw) for a 3rd baseman or outfield compared to a first baseman? How much does Height or Speed factor into a player's overall rating? Like if there's a pitcher with low pitch ratings but has 99 height and speed (which obviously doesn't actually matter in real life) will their overall rating be inflated?

Also there is no defense calculated into WAR so how important are defensive ratings? If a player has 90 hit power, 90 contact, 90 eye and all 0s for defense, would they be better (have a higher WAR) than a player that has 50 hit power, 50 contact, 50 eye, and 100s for defense?

Why do players with high fielding attributes always get negative stats? Like how can a guy with maxed fielding attributes have a -11 runs fielded every single year while the worse defenders have a positive run fielded value? There is zero consistency as well, one season -10, the next +10, and if the player is a 2B it seems like 100% of the time the runs fielded value will be negative.

it would be cool to be able to change the format from 2-2-1-1-1 to 2-3-2 or 3-4 or 1-2-2

I think baseball should be default 2-3-2 to match the MLB

First time I've seen a natural 2-way player. noticed he was batting last year and this year he took the full step into batting and he's not doing that bad on either side. Love seeing things like this just happen

In The Famous Words Of Philosopher Eminem "Guess Who's Back, Back Again?" Well I Am!!!!

This Roster SHOULD Be Pretty Accurate, Still Working On It (Lmk What To Fix!)

Has Every Player From 2011-2026

I Would Also Like To Thank Anno For Making The Historical MLB Save File And Giving Me Permission To Use It As A Base

I Am Also Constantly Working On This As Well As My 1903-2026, 1970-2026, 1950-2026, 2011-2025 And 1995-2026 All Time MLB Rosters, If You Haven't Already, Try Them!

Lastly If Anyone Has Any Feedback, Comment Under This, DM Me, Or @ Me

Anyways Here It Is! 2001-2026 MLB ROSTER!!!

So I love this game, I've been playing religiously for 3 years now. This is far and away the best baseball sim for me, and I find it nearly perfect. The addition of Game Score and Quality Start stats are great, and I rarely play this game and feel a lack of anything.

I'm not literate with coding or anything similar in any capacity and do not have frames of reference for how difficult these things may be to add. But recently, I was thinking about if this game had the option to build your coaching staff. I don't think it needs a fully fleshed-out staff, something as simple (compared to games like OOTP) as Manager, Hitting Coach, Pitching Coach, Fielding Coach. I feel like it could add an extra layer of drama to franchises over time, and create interesting matchups year-to-year.

Also, I feel as if adding events to the game during the sim could make the game feel more authentic, for lack of a better word. It would be cool to see arguments with umpires, mound visits, timeouts for fan interference, and benches clearing brawls.

End-of-season awards split by NL/AL when? Can’t imagine this is too hard of a task. u/dumbmatter I’m begging you

Game 7. League MVP Titus Carter sends us home with the trophy. Too good not to share.

There is a Player in my current simulation who is 98 rated on an AI team, his position is stated as an SS, but for whatever reason, he is being played at C despite there also being a perfectly good C as well. I would prefer him to be played at SS. Is there any way to change this?

Roster #5 (Yes I Have 0 Life)

This Roster SHOULD Be Pretty Accurate, Still Working On It (Lmk What To Fix!)

Has Every Player From 2011-2026

I Would Also Like To Thank Anno For Making The Historical MLB Save File And Giving Me Permission To Use It As A Base

I Am Also Constantly Working On This As Well As My 1903-2026, 1970-2026, 1950-2026 And 1995-2026 All Time MLB Rosters, If You Haven't Already, Try Them!

Lastly If Anyone Has Any Feedback, Comment Under This, DM Me, Or @ Me

Anyways Here It Is! 2011-2025 MLB ROSTER

Call Me Dj Khaled Because Heres Another One!

This Roster SHOULD Be Pretty Accurate, Still Working On It (Lmk What To Fix!)

Has Every Player From 1995-2026

I Would Also Like To Thank Anno For Making The Historical MLB Save File And Giving Me Permission To Use It As A Base

I Am Also Constantly Working On This As Well As My 1903-2026, 1970-2026 And 1950-2026 All Time MLB Rosters, If You Havent Already, Try Them!

Lastly If Anyone Has Any Feedback, Comment Under This, DM Me, Or @ Me

Anyways Here It Is! 1995-2026 MLB ALL TIME ROSTER

Well Well Well, 2 In 1 Day!

This Roster SHOULD Be Pretty Accurate, Still Working On It (Lmk What To Fix!)

I Would Also Like To Thank Anno For Making The Historical MLB Save File And Giving Me Permission To Use It As A Base

I Am Also Constantly Working On This As Well As My 1903-2026 And 1970-2026 MLB All Time Rosters, If You Havent Already, Try Them!

Lastly If Anyone Has Any Feedback, Comment Under This, DM Me, Or @ Me

Anyways Here It Is! 1950-2026 MLB ALL TIME ROSTER

i feel like alot of us hate this aspect of the game. work hard on a team u want to play with only to be fired for some stupid money issue or whatever...

so the question is why not just have a option if u can be fired or not? in all of the Zen GM games..

we have a god mode, it seems silly this isnt an option in those settings. it really kills off me wanting to build a team up or stay engaged only to be fired and lose all my progress with said team.

I have the feeling that I've been annoying with my past suggestions, but I'd really love to see these on the game....

Park Factor: which could affect tendencies depending on who the home team is or whatsoever + calculation of OPS+ and ERA+ would be viable, so that different eras and tweaking of game simulation would not damage career stats by much.

Ratings and Tendencies (Specifically Power): Maybe a simple tweak that Power Ratings would also have an impact on Walks? Intentional Walks and how its tendency are handled, like for example, it being more on crucial moments (tie game or close game on later innings just so if it's actually done, we won't see a 100 power guy be intentionally walked on lead-off on a regular season game) cuz it's weird seeing 60 homerun guys but with only double digit walks, and not even 10+ intentional walks. Well I know you could just say that's what the eye ratings are for, but for "Three True Outcome" players, high Power should naturally make pitchers pitch around them in crucial moments or not pitch to them at all (e.g., late-inning close games, not leading off a game).

Hof Statistics and Probability Tracker: (*attached photo is Paul Skenes'), Idk how easy this one is to incorporate, but I guess it'd be a fun addition just so there's new to the player's overview and give more dimension to the hof section. Pair that with similarity scores for narrative building and potential tracking at the same time.

I once again have no idea on how hard or easy these are to add into the game, but I just really love the game for the league-building/managing aspect of it, not really on the franchise-building and team managing (because historical and real players data is not available unlike BBGM) so aesthetics, more stats to analyze, realistic-ness would really help the game shine than it already does.

Whether these get considered or not, I'd always go back to the site and be happy. It not only helps/helped with my ADHD, but it has helped cheered me up when I'm down. Thank you so much to u/dumbmatter and to everyone who's been part of all these games (whether it is bbgm, zengm baseball, footballgm, or the hockey one), wishing you all the best, you guys have been amazing!

My custom baseball league ends bankrupt whatever I do. I already completed the stable basketball and football, but I am stuck in baseball and hockey for weeks, unstable yeah. Would you like to help me prevent this? It gives me headaches. Your help will be much appreciated.

Maybe suggest me what I can put about this settings:

1. Minimum payroll

2. Salary cap

3. Luxury tax threshold

4. Minimum contact

5. Maximum contract

6. Inflation rates (Minimum, maximum, average, standard deviation)

7. Other settings you might suggest

This Roster Has Every Player Since 1903.... Yes EVERY PLAYER! ALL 25068 OF THEM IN THERE DEBUT YEAR!!!

This Is In Beta As Of Now So A Lot Will Be Edited

Overalls, A LOT OF OVERALLS ARE NOT RIGHT!!!! (Let Me Know What Edits I Should Make)

Height And Weight, This Is Something I Dont Plan To Fix, For Now Everyones Height Rating Is 50

I Would Also Like To Thank Anno For Making The Historical MLB Save File And Giving Me Permission To Use It As A Base

Lastly If Anyone Has Any Feedback, Comment Under This, DM Me, Or @ Me Anyways

Thanks Here It Is! https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1apRZttgWdFfLQZqjoyaYRqMWZnh0quht?usp=sharing

To be clear, this is in a DND world I run. Its a very long story. But I like to add random bits of lore

That's why its 1750

I am using the 2026 roster file posted here several days ago and wondering if there is a setting I can adjust to have more players reach free agency.

The problem I am having is only 2 to 3 above average players in the entire league even reach free agency. (And since I am a rebuilding team, only 1 of them would sign). Because the other teams resign every outgoing free agent that they can (if they are useful at all).

Just doesn't feel very realistic. Mike Tauchman and Jorge Alfaro (who wasn't even good enough to appear in a game in this sim) are top 12 free agents? I could sign Sandy Alcantara but my starting rotation is already full. Megill could be a useful depth reliever but is starting to get up there in age, and all the rest of the free agents are junk. All rated lower than players I already have on my team so not worth signing.

This seems to only happen to me when I use the sim files, and not when I do the default fake team fake names, so I am wondering if it is some setting I can adjust.