When evaluating a hitter’s performance, batting average and slugging percentage are two of the most widely used stats. However, a true measure of a hitter’s ability can be found by combining these two stats into one statistic: On-base plus slugging percentage, or OPS. This metric provides a better measure of a hitter’s ability to get on base and hit for power than either batting average or slugging percentage alone. So, is a .700 OPS good?
What is OPS?
OPS is a statistic that measures a hitter’s ability to get on base and hit for power. It is calculated by adding a player’s on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG) together. The resulting number is expressed as a ratio and is a good measure of a hitter’s overall offensive production.
What is a Good OPS?
The average OPS for a major league hitter is around .750. This means that any player with an OPS above .750 is considered to be an above-average hitter. However, the .750 mark is not a hard and fast rule. Some players have an OPS that is significantly higher or lower than average.
A .700 OPS is considered to be slightly below average. Players with an OPS below .700 are typically considered to be below-average hitters. However, this is not always the case. Some players with an OPS below .700 have been able to have successful careers by excelling in other areas of the game, such as defense or base running.
Are There Any Other Factors to Consider?
Yes. When evaluating a hitter’s performance, it is important to consider other factors besides OPS. There are other metrics that measure a hitter’s ability, such as wOBA (weighted on-base average) and wRC+ (weighted runs created plus). These metrics take into account more factors than just on-base percentage and slugging percentage.
It is also important to consider the context of a hitter’s performance. For example, a hitter may have an OPS of .700, but if they are playing in a park that favors pitchers, their numbers may be skewed.
Conclusion
A .700 OPS is considered to be slightly below average for a major league hitter. However, other factors such as defense, base running, and context should also be taken into account when evaluating a hitter’s performance. Ultimately, a hitter’s OPS should be viewed in the context of their overall performance.