Baseball is a numbers game. The teams, scouts, and analysts who understand how to turn data into decisions have the edge — and so can you.
In just 8 weeks, SMWW's Baseball Analytics course, led by Ari Kaplan — former MLB analytics consultant and current Head of Technical Evangelism at Databricks — gives you the skills, tools, and credibility to pursue a career in professional baseball analytics.
Whether you want to work in scouting, player development, operations, or media, this course is your fast track to mastering the metrics that matter.
NEXT START DATE: August 25
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Ari Kaplan is one of baseball’s original analytics trailblazers. With over two decades of experience consulting for MLB front offices, Kaplan has helped shape how modern teams use data to make smarter decisions. He has worked with more than half of the 30 MLB clubs, led analytics efforts for the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs, and advised front office personnel across the league.
Currently the Head of Technical Evangelism at Databricks, Kaplan is also a featured speaker at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, the Data + AI Summit, and is regularly seen in sports analytics media.
Week 1: The Evolution of Baseball Analytics
Understand how sabermetrics revolutionized the game — and how data became the most powerful tool in front offices, scouting departments, and player development.
Week 2: Core Metrics that Matter
Master essential stats like WAR, wOBA, xFIP, and BABIP, and learn how to interpret them the way MLB decision-makers do.
Week 3: Scouting by the Numbers
Learn how to evaluate hitters, pitchers, and defenders using a data-first approach. Build modern player profiles using real scouting examples.
Week 4: Pitch-Level & Statcast Data
Dive into spin rate, exit velocity, launch angle, and vertical/horizontal break — the key metrics behind every pitch and swing in today’s game.
Week 5: Analytics in Roster Construction
Apply analytics to draft strategy, free agency, and trades. Understand how teams use data to build championship rosters while managing budgets.
Week 6: Data-Driven Player Development
Discover how data is used to improve player performance, design training programs, and identify untapped potential at all levels of baseball.
Week 7: Building Dashboards & Visualizations
Use tools like Baseball Savant, FanGraphs, and Rapsodo to create visual scouting reports and dashboards that showcase your analytical skills.
Week 8: Career Paths in Baseball Analytics
Explore how to turn your knowledge into a job. Get resume guidance, insider advice, and tips on how to network your way into the MLB analytics world.
SMWW doesn’t just teach theory — we teach application. With weekly live Zoom chats, you’ll interact directly with Ari Kaplan, your classmates, and SMWW advisors. You’ll get feedback, build connections, and leave with portfolio-ready projects that showcase your baseball IQ and analytic skills.
Our alumni now work in MLB front offices, sports media outlets like FanGraphs, and analytics roles across professional baseball.
Success Story: Mike Matheny
Took this course after being let go by the Cardinals — and soon landed the Manager role with the Kansas City Royals. His journey was featured by ESPN.
Success Story: Carl Mosche
After losing a scouting job, Carl took this course, sharpened his skills, and is now a Scouting Supervisor for the Boston Red Sox.
SMWW Baseball Analytics alumni have gone on to work with professional teams, top scouting outlets, and media platforms around the world.
Boston Red Sox – Scouting & Analytics
Kansas City Royals – Coaching & Front Office
Chicago Cubs – Player Development
St. Louis Cardinals – Data Strategy
San Diego Padres – Baseball Ops
Fangraphs – MLB Data & Player Analysis
Scoutables – Advanced Prospect Evaluation
Baseball Prospectus – Statistical Modeling
ESPN
MLB Network
FTN Fantasy / FTN Data
The Athletic
"These roles didn’t happen by accident. Our grads got trained by MLB legend Ari Kaplan, built real-world portfolios, and launched careers at the highest level of the game."
8-week online course with lifetime access
Weekly live Zoom mentorship with Ari Kaplan
Certificate of Completion
Resume Redesign Service
Access to SMWW's exclusive job board
Discount to attend the SMWW Baseball Winter Meetings Conference
Aspiring MLB data analysts or scouts
Former players & coaches looking to pivot into front office roles
Journalists and broadcasters wanting to speak the language of analytics
Sports betting pros and fantasy baseball experts
Students and career changers ready to break into baseball
As a graduate of the Baseball Analytics course, you’ll be invited to join SMWWScouts.com — our global scouting and analytics network trusted by pro and college teams.
Build a custom profile with your headshot, bio, and sample analytics reports
Be visible to teams, coaches, agents, and media outlets looking for data-savvy talent
Showcase your skills and apply them in real-world scouting, front office, or media roles
Let SMWW act as your industry matchmaker — connecting you to opportunities
Whether your goal is MLB front office, player development, scouting, or analytics media, this is your next step into the game.
The game is changing. Are you ready to lead it?
Learn from Ari Kaplan, sharpen your skills, and join the growing wave of SMWW alumni who’ve turned their love of baseball into successful careers.
Live Zoom Chats:
Join weekly Zoom sessions with legendary baseball analyst Ari Kaplan, Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, guest speakers, and fellow students. Can’t make it live? All sessions are recorded and archived.
100% Online Learning:
Access interactive discussion boards, weekly readings, quizzes, and projects—all online. Tuition includes all course materials.
Global Reach:
Students join from over 160 countries. Instructors customize content for different leagues worldwide. Economic discounts available for qualifying regions. economic discounts.
University Credit:
Earn graduate or undergraduate credit through Fort Hays State University (optional, additional fee).. Click here for more information.
MLB Winter Meetings Access:
Students get exclusive discounts to attend our SMWW Baseball Winter Meetings Conference—an amazing networking opportunity.SMWW Winter Baseball Meetings Conference.
Baseball Front Office Advanced Certificate:
Bundle courses and save with SMWW’s Advanced Certificates to fast-track your baseball career. Learn more about our Advanced Certificates here.
Military Discount:
Special pricing available for active, retired, or reserve military members.Click Here.
Tax Deductible (U.S.):
Course costs may qualify as an educational tax credit. Check with your tax advisor.
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THREE MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF $650
Or a single payment of $1,950 Includes all course textbooks and access to a web-based classroom. Shipping is additional.
APPROXIMATELY $1950
If we offer an economic discount in your country, it is included in the estimate above. Exact pricing including the discount is shown before you complete checkout. Payment plan options are provided during checkout. PAYMENT METHODS:
       Prerequisites: Must be 18 or older to participate and have a passion for sports.
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Kansas City Royals Manager
Arizona Diamondbacks Player Personnel Analyst
NY Mets Amateur Scouting Associate
Diamond Sports LLC Founder
Seattle Mariners Player Development Coach
MLB Data Operations Jr Operator
Head Coach at Major League Baseball Program PR
Boston Red Sox Scouting Supervisor
Baltimore Orioles, Video Coordinator
Houston Astros Asst. General Manager
Baseball Performance Center Data Analyst
Tampa Bay Lightning Assistant Manager
KineticPro Baseball
University of Iowa Baseball team Data Analyst
Baseball Video Scout at Sports Info Solutions
Texas Rangers MiLB Video Assistant
California Winter League Analyst
Toronto Blue Jays Minor League Hitting Analyst
Manager of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, the Double-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals
Atlanta Braves
The Baseball Zone Digital Marketing Manager and Social Media Manager
Cleveland Indians
TrackMan
Minor League Operations at Pittsburgh Pirates
Toronto Blue Jays, Mental Performance Coach
Retired Houston Astros Pitcher, 3rd Round Draft Pick
Oakland Athletics
Hickory Crawdads (Texas Rangers MiLB affiliate)Trackman Operator
16 years in the Majors, current Pitching Coach
Major League Baseball Data Operations
Baseball Info Solutions Video Scout
Preparation is never enough and mostly in sports. SMMW and Ari Kaplan support me a lot and gave me several tools that I put it into practice immediately. The result: first championship for our team in 13 years.
Preparation is never enough and mostly in sports. SMMW and Ari Kaplan support me a lot and gave me several tools that I put it into practice immediately. The result: first championship for our team in 13 years.
"I strongly recommend anyone interested in working within the baseball industry to consider taking this course! Ari was a fantastic instructor with a vast knowledge of the baseball industry. I couldn't have been happier with this course."
"I strongly recommend anyone interested in working within the baseball industry to consider taking this course! Ari was a fantastic instructor with a vast knowledge of the baseball industry. I couldn't have been happier with this course."
I highly recommend the Baseball Analytics course offered by SMWW and taught by Ari Kaplan. Completing the course has given me a solid foundation in baseball analytics and the skillset to continue to grow. I especially enjoyed the audio chats and the opportunities they gave me to learn from an experienced analyst and engage with other baseball minded people.
I highly recommend the Baseball Analytics course offered by SMWW and taught by Ari Kaplan. Completing the course has given me a solid foundation in baseball analytics and the skillset to continue to grow. I especially enjoyed the audio chats and the opportunities they gave me to learn from an experienced analyst and engage with other baseball minded people.
I completed Ari Kaplan's Baseball Analytics course through Sports Management Worldwide. This course was extremely beneficial and I can recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about baseball analytics.
I completed Ari Kaplan's Baseball Analytics course through Sports Management Worldwide. This course was extremely beneficial and I can recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about baseball analytics.
I signed up for this course to learn more about Analytics and how it was being used in today's game. I believe that the SMWW Baseball Analytics opened my eyes to how numbers and statistics are being used. Analyzing player performances and predicting future value based on these statistics was one of the most exciting assignments of the course.
I signed up for this course to learn more about Analytics and how it was being used in today's game. I believe that the SMWW Baseball Analytics opened my eyes to how numbers and statistics are being used. Analyzing player performances and predicting future value based on these statistics was one of the most exciting assignments of the course.
For anyone who is into sports management, there is no other online course and company that can give you the EDGE to enter the world of sports other than SMWW.
For anyone who is into sports management, there is no other online course and company that can give you the EDGE to enter the world of sports other than SMWW.
As a longtime traditional baseball scout, I opted to expand my overall knowledge in baseball operations by taking the Baseball Analytics Course thru SMWW. This comprehensive program, directed by Dr. Lashbrook along with the teachings of well known statistical expert Ari Kaplan, provided an excellent foundation to allow for exploration of both sides of player evaluations. Certainly, the knowledge I gained in this course played an invaluable role in my acceptance of my latest baseball appointment
As a longtime traditional baseball scout, I opted to expand my overall knowledge in baseball operations by taking the Baseball Analytics Course thru SMWW. This comprehensive program, directed by Dr. Lashbrook along with the teachings of well known statistical expert Ari Kaplan, provided an excellent foundation to allow for exploration of both sides of player evaluations. Certainly, the knowledge I gained in this course played an invaluable role in my acceptance of my latest baseball appointment
I'm a student in Ari Kaplan's Baseball Analytics Class. We're about halfway through the course and I've already landed my first job in baseball! I logged into the course page last Sunday to post an assignment and I saw a message to all students from SMWW that the Tampa Bay Rays were hiring TrackMan and Pitch f/x Operators for their minor league affiliates. I quickly revised my resume to feature the course description that SMWW provided and applied for the job via TeamWork Online. The very next day I was hired by the Rays Baseball Operations Department to help run TrackMan for one of their minor league clubs that is local to me! They said my resume really stood out, and I attribute most of that to having the SMWW Baseball Analytics course description front and center. So I'd like to say 'thank you' to the whole SMWW crew and I look forward to continuing to study and learn with you. With this new job, my investment has already more than paid for itself. Thanks again, David Yamin
I'm a student in Ari Kaplan's Baseball Analytics Class. We're about halfway through the course and I've already landed my first job in baseball! I logged into the course page last Sunday to post an assignment and I saw a message to all students from SMWW that the Tampa Bay Rays were hiring TrackMan and Pitch f/x Operators for their minor league affiliates. I quickly revised my resume to feature the course description that SMWW provided and applied for the job via TeamWork Online. The very next day I was hired by the Rays Baseball Operations Department to help run TrackMan for one of their minor league clubs that is local to me! They said my resume really stood out, and I attribute most of that to having the SMWW Baseball Analytics course description front and center. So I'd like to say 'thank you' to the whole SMWW crew and I look forward to continuing to study and learn with you. With this new job, my investment has already more than paid for itself. Thanks again, David Yamin
I had no idea what to expect when I started this course. I thought that if I were to learn at least one thing about baseball it would be worth it. I ended up learning so much more than expected. That has everything to do with the great teachers SMWW was able to get to teach the courses. All of them are willing to help you in you start your career in baseball if you show the work ethic and passion for the game.
I had no idea what to expect when I started this course. I thought that if I were to learn at least one thing about baseball it would be worth it. I ended up learning so much more than expected. That has everything to do with the great teachers SMWW was able to get to teach the courses. All of them are willing to help you in you start your career in baseball if you show the work ethic and passion for the game.
The course was great, I especially liked listening to Ari's web chats as he went through his display model, spread sheets, and all the tools he provided for us through AriBall. I'm planning on going to the Baseball Winter Meetings so I can spend some time with Ari Kaplan, Dan Evans, Larry D'Amato, and Dr. Lashbrook - I love what they've done with Sport Management Worldwide!
The course was great, I especially liked listening to Ari's web chats as he went through his display model, spread sheets, and all the tools he provided for us through AriBall. I'm planning on going to the Baseball Winter Meetings so I can spend some time with Ari Kaplan, Dan Evans, Larry D'Amato, and Dr. Lashbrook - I love what they've done with Sport Management Worldwide!
SMWW will provide you with the tools needed to be successful in your sports career. I have taken Baseball GM and Scouting and Baseball Analytics and would recommend both of them. Dan Evans, Larry D'Amato, and Ari Kaplan are great mentors!
SMWW will provide you with the tools needed to be successful in your sports career. I have taken Baseball GM and Scouting and Baseball Analytics and would recommend both of them. Dan Evans, Larry D'Amato, and Ari Kaplan are great mentors!
The Baseball Analytics Course was amazing and also fun. I was able to learn a great deal and really enjoyed listening to Ari Kaplan. Great person and great instructor.
The Baseball Analytics Course was amazing and also fun. I was able to learn a great deal and really enjoyed listening to Ari Kaplan. Great person and great instructor.
Superb course! Ari was generous with his time and effort. His lectures were organized and easy to follow. He broke-down hard to understand material and made it easy to comprehend. I would absolutely take another SMWW course!
Superb course! Ari was generous with his time and effort. His lectures were organized and easy to follow. He broke-down hard to understand material and made it easy to comprehend. I would absolutely take another SMWW course!
Thanks to Dan Evans, Larry D'Amato and Ari Kaplan and the SMWW Staff, I was able to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies, as an Associate Scout. The staff and classes are truly beneficial and helpful, to obtaining a position with an MLB team. Thank You!
Thanks to Dan Evans, Larry D'Amato and Ari Kaplan and the SMWW Staff, I was able to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies, as an Associate Scout. The staff and classes are truly beneficial and helpful, to obtaining a position with an MLB team. Thank You!
I loved the informational interviews as it was a great way to put myself out there and take my first steps into the professional side of baseball. I particularly loved it because it made us (students) go above and beyond and pushed ourselves to keep trying until we were successful. It taught me that you need to be persistent and never give up if you want to work in any sport. I had interviews that went very successful as I learned a lot from them and am forever grateful for SMWW for this opportunity.
I loved the informational interviews as it was a great way to put myself out there and take my first steps into the professional side of baseball. I particularly loved it because it made us (students) go above and beyond and pushed ourselves to keep trying until we were successful. It taught me that you need to be persistent and never give up if you want to work in any sport. I had interviews that went very successful as I learned a lot from them and am forever grateful for SMWW for this opportunity.
I'm very proud to announce that I have formally accepted a Video Scout position with Baseball Info Solutions that I will be starting in March. Not going to lie, it's been a long year filled with a lot of doubt of whether I could even get a job baseball after a lot of rejection but I finally turned a dream that I had in high school into reality. Thank you to everyone who believed that I could make this happen even when I had my doubts. Also, a huge thank you to my mentors at Sports Management Worldwide Dan Evans and Ari Kaplan. I gained so much information from them and their guidance put me in position to make this happen. I'm excited to see where this takes me and I can't wait to get started!
I'm very proud to announce that I have formally accepted a Video Scout position with Baseball Info Solutions that I will be starting in March. Not going to lie, it's been a long year filled with a lot of doubt of whether I could even get a job baseball after a lot of rejection but I finally turned a dream that I had in high school into reality. Thank you to everyone who believed that I could make this happen even when I had my doubts. Also, a huge thank you to my mentors at Sports Management Worldwide Dan Evans and Ari Kaplan. I gained so much information from them and their guidance put me in position to make this happen. I'm excited to see where this takes me and I can't wait to get started!
This course was not only thought-provoking and informative to the changes in the way the game is assessed, viewed, and played, but also engaging and fun! I am lucky and blessed to have taken it and have had the chance to connect with Ari, Dan and Hank in the process. I strongly recommend anyone interested in the game to consider taking this course! For those of you sports fanatics with a growth mindset out there, SMWW checks all the boxes.
This course was not only thought-provoking and informative to the changes in the way the game is assessed, viewed, and played, but also engaging and fun! I am lucky and blessed to have taken it and have had the chance to connect with Ari, Dan and Hank in the process. I strongly recommend anyone interested in the game to consider taking this course! For those of you sports fanatics with a growth mindset out there, SMWW checks all the boxes.
The Baseball Career Conference provides a great opportunity to hear about baseball operations from people at the Major League Level, and a chance to meet and network with these individuals.
The Baseball Career Conference provides a great opportunity to hear about baseball operations from people at the Major League Level, and a chance to meet and network with these individuals.
Our ability to generate stats has gotten way ahead of our ability to make any sense of it… It's going to take a lot of work by people like Ari Kaplan before we understand what all this means.
Mike Matheny
Lincoln Ficek
Matt Brock
Jacob Cathey
Shayla Medows
Jake Greenberg
Naomi Hill
Betty Dovinh
Hecmart Nieves
Ben Rockwell
Tony Pena Jr
Jose Burgos
Carl Moesche
Luis Marquez
Scott Powers
Michael DeCicco
Wesley Hughes
Koby Close
Andrew Sumner
Vincent DiSilvio
Adam Stein
Shayla Medows
Reed Kienle
Scott Thorman
Bob Glover
Sean Addis
Edwin Rodriguez
Joe Engel
Greg Goldsmith
Rafael Dubois
David Potts
Daichi Takasue
Joe Conklin
Jeff Fassero
Ben Loughran
Kyle Saathoff
