OPS, or On-Base Plus Slugging, is one of the most important statistics in baseball. It combines two of the most important offensive metrics, On-Base Percentage and Slugging Percentage, into one single statistic, giving an overall measure of a player’s offensive production. OPS is used to measure a player’s hitting ability and is a valuable tool for evaluating hitters, both at the major-league level and in the minor leagues.
Understanding the Basics of OPS
OPS is a simple calculation that combines two important offensive metrics, On-Base Percentage and Slugging Percentage, into one easy-to-understand statistic. On-Base Percentage (OBP) measures how often a player reaches base safely on either a hit, walk, or hit by pitch. Slugging Percentage (SLG) measures the total number of bases a player has accumulated on hits. The formula for calculating OPS is: OPS = OBP + SLG.
By combining these two statistics into one number, it provides a more comprehensive view of a hitter’s offensive production. It is also much easier to compare players across different positions and leagues, as it removes the need to calculate different ratios for each position.
Calculating OBP
On-Base Percentage (OBP) measures how often a player reaches base safely on either a hit, walk, or hit by pitch. To calculate OBP, divide the total number of times a player reaches base (hits, walks, and hit by pitches) by the total number of plate appearances. The formula for calculating OBP is: OBP = (H + BB + HBP) / (AB + BB + HBP + SF).
Calculating SLG
Slugging Percentage (SLG) measures the total number of bases a player has accumulated on hits. To calculate SLG, divide the total number of bases a player has accumulated on hits by the total number of at-bats. The formula for calculating SLG is: SLG = (H + 2B + 2 x 3B + 3 x HR) / (AB).
Calculating OPS
OPS is calculated by combining On-Base Percentage and Slugging Percentage into one easy-to-understand statistic. To calculate OPS, add On-Base Percentage and Slugging Percentage together. The formula for calculating OPS is: OPS = OBP + SLG.
Analysing OPS
OPS is one of the most important stats in baseball, as it provides a comprehensive view of a player’s offensive production. Generally speaking, the higher a player’s OPS, the better their offensive production. An OPS of .800 or higher is considered to be excellent, while an OPS of .700 or higher is considered to be very good.
Conclusion
OPS is an important statistic in baseball, as it provides a comprehensive view of a player’s offensive production. By combining two of the most important offensive metrics, On-Base Percentage and Slugging Percentage, into one single statistic, it makes it easier to compare players across different positions and leagues. Knowing how to calculate OPS can help coaches and scouts evaluate players and make better decisions when it comes to roster construction.