Baseball stats can be overwhelming for those who are unfamiliar with the game. From batting average to slugging percentage, the metrics used to track the performance of a baseball player can often be confusing. One of the more commonly used stats is OPS, which stands for On-base Plus Slugging. OPS is often used as a measure of a player’s offensive performance and is a combination of two other statistics: on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG). In this article, we will explore what OPS means in baseball stats, how it is calculated, and why it is important.
What Does OPS Stand For?
As mentioned earlier, OPS stands for On-base Plus Slugging. This statistic is used to measure a player’s offensive performance and is calculated by adding a player’s on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG). OBP is a measure of how often a player reaches base while SLG is a measure of the amount of extra-base hits a player has. By combining these two statistics, OPS gives an overall measure of a player’s offensive performance.
How Is OPS Calculated?
The formula for calculating OPS is relatively simple. To calculate a player’s OPS, you first add their on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG). This gives you the player’s OPS.
The formula looks like this:
OPS = OBP + SLG
For example, let’s say a player has an on-base percentage of .350 and a slugging percentage of .500. To calculate their OPS, you would add .350 and .500 to get .850. This means the player’s OPS is .850.
Why Is OPS Important?
OPS is an important statistic for evaluating a player’s offensive performance. It gives a measure of how often a player reaches base (OBP) and how much extra-base power they have (SLG). This makes OPS a better measure of a player’s overall offensive performance than either OBP or SLG alone.
OPS is also important because it is a quick, easy way to compare a player’s offensive performance to that of other players. It is more comprehensive than a single statistic, such as batting average, and provides a better overall picture of a player’s offensive performance.
What Is a Good OPS?
A “good” OPS is relative to the player’s position and the league they are playing in. Generally speaking, the higher the OPS, the better the player’s offensive performance.
In Major League Baseball (MLB), the average OPS for all players is around .750. However, for certain positions, such as first base or designated hitter, the average OPS is higher. For example, the average OPS for a first baseman in MLB is .822.
Conclusion
OPS is an important statistic for evaluating a player’s offensive performance. It is calculated by adding a player’s on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG). OPS is important because it gives a comprehensive measure of a player’s offensive performance. It is also a quick, easy way to compare a player’s performance to that of other players. The higher the OPS, the better a player’s offensive performance is generally considered to be.