OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) is a statistic that combines two of the most important aspects of baseball: hitting and power. It is used to measure a player’s overall offensive performance and is considered to be one of the most important measures of a hitter’s offensive ability. The statistic is calculated by adding a player’s on-base percentage (OBP) and their slugging percentage (SLG) together. The result is expressed as a number that can range from 0 to infinity.
Understanding the OPS statistic
The OPS statistic is a simple calculation that combines two of the most important offensive stats in the game. By adding the two numbers together, it provides a more comprehensive measure of a player’s offensive ability. It can also be used to compare players across different eras and teams, as it eliminates the need to compare players’ stats to the league average.
The formula for calculating OPS is simple:
OPS = OBP + SLG
Where OBP is the player’s on-base percentage and SLG is the player’s slugging percentage.
What is a Good OPS in MLB?
The average OPS for a Major League Baseball player is 0.750. This number is slightly higher for pitchers (0.766) than for hitters (0.737). An OPS of 0.750 is considered to be “good,” but there are many players who have had success with an OPS above or below this mark.
The best players in the game typically have an OPS of 1.000 or higher, while the worst players usually have an OPS of 0.600 or lower. Some of the best players in history have had OPS of 1.200 or higher, while the worst players typically have an OPS of 0.400 or lower.
Factors That Affect OPS
There are several factors that can affect a player’s OPS, such as their batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and home runs. A player’s batting average is the most important factor in determining their OPS, as it directly correlates to the player’s ability to reach base. A player’s on-base percentage is also important, as it reflects their ability to get on base without the help of a hit.
The slugging percentage is also an important factor in determining a player’s OPS, as it reflects their ability to hit for power. Finally, home runs are also important, as they are the most valuable offensive statistic in the game.
Conclusion
In conclusion, OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) is a statistic that is used to measure a player’s overall offensive performance. The average OPS for a Major League Baseball player is 0.750, which is considered to be “good”. However, the best players in the game typically have an OPS of 1.000 or higher, while the worst players usually have an OPS of 0.600 or lower. Factors such as batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and home runs all have an impact on a player’s OPS.