MLB CSW 2026
Today's MLB starting pitcher CSW rates, matchup-adjusted projections, and strikeout data — updated daily for DFS and player props.
Lineup changes are reflected within 10 minutes of the official announcement.
MIN
(RHP)
NYM
(LHP)
KAN
(LHP)
SFG
(LHP)
ARI
(RHP)
ATL
(RHP)
What is CSW (Called Strikes + Whiffs)?
CSW was created by Nick Pollack and Alex Fast of Pitcher List in 2018 and is considered more predictive of strikeout upside than swinging strike percentage alone. It combines called strikes and whiffs, then divides by total pitches to produce a single metric that captures a pitcher's ability to generate swings and misses while also commanding the strike zone.
A CSW above 30% signals elite strikeout upside for DFS and props. Pitchers consistently above that threshold tend to deliver high K totals regardless of opponent.
CSW Projection
Our projected CSW adjusts each pitcher's historical rate by how the opposing lineup performs against pitches in the zone. A pitcher facing a free-swinging team that whiffs at a high rate will see their projection rise, while a disciplined opponent pulls it down.
Strikeout Rate (K%)
K% measures the percentage of plate appearances that end in a strikeout. While CSW captures pitch-level dominance, K% reflects actual results over a larger sample. Pairing high CSW with high K% identifies pitchers who are both talented and proven at converting that talent into fantasy-relevant strikeouts.
Look for pitchers where CSW is high but K% hasn't caught up yet — these are regression candidates likely to increase their strikeout totals.
How to Use CSW for DFS & Props
Sort by CSW Projection to find today's best strikeout upside plays. Pitchers at the top of the list combine strong pitch-level dominance with a favorable matchup — exactly what you want when targeting strikeout props or building DFS lineups around aces.
30+
Elite CSW
(Strong K upside)
27–30
Above Average
(Solid matchup dependent)
<27
Below Average
(Fade for K props)
Data Source & Methodology
Pitcher CSW data is sourced from FanGraphs and Baseball Savant, updated daily throughout the 2026 MLB season. CSW Projections are calculated using each pitcher's historical CSW rate adjusted by the opposing team's discipline metrics. Only today's confirmed and projected starting pitchers are shown.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is MLB CSW?
- CSW stands for Called Strike plus Whiff rate — the percentage of a pitcher's total pitches that result in either a called strike or a swinging strike. It is widely considered one of the best single-stat predictors of strikeout ability. A CSW above 30% is elite; league average is approximately 27-28%.
- How is CSW used in DFS?
- In MLB DFS, CSW helps identify pitchers most likely to rack up strikeouts — the highest-value stat for DFS pitchers on DraftKings (2 pts each) and FanDuel (3 pts each). Pairing a high-CSW pitcher with an opponent that has a high team strikeout rate is a core DFS strategy for maximizing pitcher scoring.
- What is a good CSW rate for a starting pitcher?
- A CSW rate above 30% is considered elite and indicates a pitcher who misses bats and commands the strike zone at a high level. Between 28-30% is above average, 26-28% is around league average, and below 26% suggests a pitcher who relies more on contact management than pure stuff.
Disclaimer
All projections on this page are generated algorithmically based on statistical models, season averages, and projected playing time. These projections are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
The algorithm may not reflect recent injuries, lineup changes, rest days, or other factors that affect outcomes. Lines and odds change frequently — always confirm current numbers with your sportsbook before placing any wagers.
Past performance does not guarantee future results. You assume all risk associated with any wagers you place. Only bet with money you can afford to lose.
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