Matt Lawrence
Baseball has always been a game of numbers, but the modern era is pushing analytics into a new stratosphere—thanks to advanced technology like Sportradar’s Synergy platform. Currently used by every Major League Baseball team, including the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, Synergy is transforming scouting, player development, and talent discovery on a global scale.
In an interview, Matt Lawrence, VP Sports Performance Sales, Sportradar, said that at its core, the Synergy platform seamlessly integrates video and performance data from players of all levels—from amateur leagues to professional circuits like Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO), and Major League Baseball (MLB).
Lawrence said, “This allows teams to track and evaluate athletes throughout their careers. For instance, a scout from the Dodgers could review detailed stats and footage of a Japanese player who began with the Samurai Japan National Team at age 12 and follow his evolution to the MLB.”
He added that the platform’s strength lies not just in raw data but also in how it is processed and delivered. Powered by artificial intelligence and computer vision, Synergy doesn’t just collect information—it interprets it. This enables MLB teams to uncover hidden patterns, predict player trajectories, and improve training regimes. With Sportradar’s latest innovations in generative AI, teams now enjoy new efficiencies and capabilities that were unimaginable a few years ago.
“One of the most visible impacts of this technology is the global rise of players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Both superstars were scouted and developed using data-driven insights that extended far beyond traditional box scores. By integrating video with performance analytics, teams can help athletes fine-tune their skills and identify weaknesses before becoming liabilities,” Lawrence explained.
Sportradar is also opening new talent pipelines, especially in Asia and Latin America. Synergy has created an unparalleled database that spans continents by partnering with leagues and federations worldwide, including the World Baseball and Softball Confederation. Whether it’s an NPB team searching for North American talent or an MLB scout eyeing a 15-year-old prospect in Taiwan, access is now just a few clicks away.
This global reach is already paying dividends. With over 20,000 games and 1,600 players analyzed each year, MLB franchises use Synergy’s content for drafts, international signings, and long-term player development. Cultural nuances play a role—North American teams often seek younger players to mold, while Asian teams may look for more seasoned athletes—but the platform’s flexibility accommodates diverse scouting philosophies.
Beyond front offices, the data revolution is also poised to benefit fans. Sportradar’s advances in generative AI could soon bring these insights to the public, offering a deeper understanding of the game across all levels. The possibilities are expanding fast, whether it’s fantasy baseball, broadcast enhancements, or interactive fan experiences.
Looking ahead, Sportradar plans to deepen its reach in Asia, focusing on collegiate and amateur leagues. The company is also committed to data integrity and ethical AI usage, which is supported by its dedicated Integrity unit. As the technology continues to evolve, the next five to ten years could redefine how baseball is played, watched, and understood worldwide.
In a game where every pitch, swing, and movement counts, Sportradar’s Synergy platform proves that data isn’t just part of baseball’s future—it is the future.