Baseball has always been a game filled with numbers. In the past, stats like home runs and RBIs were the leading way to measure a player’s performance. However, with the rise of sabermetrics, modern baseball statistics have changed how we evaluate players. One of the most significant advancements in OPS is a stat combining two important hitting parts to understand a player’s offensive value better.
What is OPS?
OPS, which stands for On-Base Plus Slugging, is a baseball statistic that measures a player’s ability to get on base and hit for power. It combines two key stats: on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG). This gives coaches, analysts, and fans a clearer picture of a player’s offensive performance.
In the past, batting average was the primary stat used to compare hitters, but it only showed part of the picture. On the other hand, OPS factors in a player’s skill at avoiding outs and their power-hitting ability, making it a more complete and reliable measure of offensive effectiveness.
Breaking Down OPS
To understand OPS, you must first know its two essential parts: on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG).
On-Base Percentage (OBP)
On-base percentage (OBP) measures how often a player reaches base, not just through hits but also by walks and being hit by a pitch. OBP is often considered more valuable than batting average because it accounts for all ways a player gets on base, highlighting the importance of reaching base by any means, not just by hitting.
Here’s the formula for calculating OBP:
OBP = (Hits + Walks + Hit by Pitch) / (At-Bats + Walks + Hit by Pitch + Sacrifice Flies)This formula gives a complete picture of a player’s ability to get on base.
Slugging Percentage (SLG)
Slugging percentage (SLG) measures a player’s power by accounting for the number of bases they earn from their hits. Unlike batting average, which treats all hits equally, SLG gives extra value to hits like doubles, triples, and home runs.
Here’s the formula for SLG:
SLG = Total Bases / At-BatsIn this formula, each type of hit is worth a different number of bases:
- A single is worth 1 base
- A double is worth 2 bases
- A triple is worth 3 bases
- A home run is worth 4 bases
How to Calculate OPS?
Once you have both OBP (On-Base Percentage) and SLG (Slugging Percentage), calculating OPS (On-Base Plus Slugging) is simple:
OPS = OBP + SLGFor example, if a player has an OBP of .360 and a SLG of .540, their OPS would be:
OPS = 0.360 + 0.540 = 0.900An OPS of .900 is generally considered very good, indicating that the player excels at getting on base and hitting for power.
What is a Good OPS in Baseball?
OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) can vary significantly depending on the era and even the season, but there are general benchmarks to gauge a player’s offensive performance:
- OPS below .700: Below-average hitter
- OPS between .700 and .800: Average hitter
- OPS between .800 and .900: Above-average hitter
- OPS above .900: Excellent hitter
- OPS above 1.000: Elite hitter
In recent years, players like Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Mookie Betts have consistently posted OPS scores above 1.000, establishing themselves as some of the best hitters in the game.
Importance of OPS in Modern Baseball
OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) has become a key stat in evaluating players and negotiating contracts. Teams and analysts use it to get a complete picture of a player’s offensive contribution beyond traditional stats like batting average.
This stat is also essential in MVP debates and Hall of Fame evaluations. A high OPS shows players can get on base and hit for power, making them a valuable asset to any team.
Conclusion
OPS is one of modern baseball’s most informative and helpful stats, providing a clear picture of a player’s offensive abilities. Whether you’re a casual fan or a seasoned analyst, understanding OPS can enhance your appreciation for the game and help you see a hitter’s value.
OPS lets fans and experts compare players more quickly by combining on-base percentage (how often a player gets on base) and slugging percentage (how powerful their hits are). This makes it one of the most essential metrics in baseball today.
