OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) is a statistic used in baseball and softball to measure a player’s offensive performance. The statistic combines on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG) to give an overall measure of a hitter’s ability to get on base and hit for power. OPS is one of the most commonly used metrics to evaluate a hitter’s overall offensive value and is often used to compare hitters of different eras.
OPS is calculated by adding a player’s on-base percentage and slugging percentage and then dividing the total by two. The formula for OPS is as follows: OPS = (OBP + SLG) / 2.
What is the Highest Possible OPS?
The highest possible OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) is infinity. It is impossible to achieve an OPS higher than infinity, since it is not possible to get a batting average, on-base percentage, or slugging percentage above 1.0. However, it is possible for players to get an OPS close to infinity, with the highest possible OPS being 2.000.
In order to achieve the highest possible OPS of 2.000, a player would need to have an OBP of 1.000 and a SLG of 1.000. This means that the player would need to get on base every single time they come to the plate and hit for a 1.000 batting average, as well as hitting for a 1.000 slugging percentage.
Players Who Have Achieved a High OPS
Although it is impossible to achieve an OPS higher than infinity, there have been several players throughout the history of Major League Baseball who have achieved an OPS of 1.800 or higher. Babe Ruth holds the record for the highest OPS in a single season, with an OPS of 1.164 in 1921. Other players who have achieved a high OPS include Hank Aaron (1.158 in 1959), Barry Bonds (1.422 in 2004), and Ted Williams (1.287 in 1941).
Players Who Have Had High Career OPS
Babe Ruth also holds the record for the highest career OPS with a mark of 1.164. Other players who have achieved a high career OPS include Barry Bonds (1.051), Hank Aaron (1.014), Ted Williams (1.116), and Stan Musial (1.065).
Conclusion
OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) is a statistic used in baseball and softball to measure a player’s offensive performance. The highest possible OPS is infinity, however it is possible for players to achieve an OPS close to infinity with the highest possible OPS being 2.000. Babe Ruth holds the record for the highest OPS in a single season and highest career OPS, with marks of 1.164 and 1.164 respectively. Other players who have achieved a high OPS include Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds, Ted Williams, and Stan Musial.