The on-base plus slugging average (OPS) is a statistic used in baseball to measure a hitter’s ability to get on base and hit for power. It is determined by adding the hitter’s on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG). In recent years, the OPS statistic has become increasingly important in determining a player’s overall value in the game of baseball. This is because it takes into account both a hitter’s ability to get on base and hit for power, two of the most important aspects of offensive baseball.
What is OPS?
OPS stands for On-base Plus Slugging. It is a statistic used to measure a hitter’s ability to get on base and hit for power. It is calculated by adding a hitter’s on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG). The higher the OPS, the better a hitter is at getting on base and hitting for power.
How is OPS Calculated?
The formula for calculating OPS is simple: OPS = OBP + SLG. OBP stands for On-base Percentage and is calculated by dividing a hitter’s total number of times on base (hits, walks, and hit-by-pitches) by their total number of plate appearances. SLG stands for Slugging Percentage and is calculated by dividing the total number of bases a hitter has earned by their total number of plate appearances.
Which Players Have the Highest OPS?
In 2021, the players with the highest OPS in Major League Baseball are Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts, Washington Nationals third baseman Juan Soto, and New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge. Betts has an OPS of 1.087, Soto has an OPS of 1.067, and Judge has an OPS of 1.055.
Mookie Betts
Mookie Betts is a five-time All-Star outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is currently the leader in the National League for OPS, with an OPS of 1.087. Betts is an excellent hitter, with an OBP of .420 and a SLG of .667. Betts’ ability to get on base and hit for power make him one of the most valuable players in the game.
Juan Soto
Juan Soto is a three-time All-Star third baseman for the Washington Nationals. He is currently second in the National League for OPS, with an OPS of 1.067. Soto is a great hitter, with an OBP of .415 and a SLG of .652. Soto has a great eye at the plate, and his ability to hit for power make him one of the top hitters in the game.
Aaron Judge
Aaron Judge is a two-time All-Star outfielder for the New York Yankees. He is currently third in the American League for OPS, with an OPS of 1.055. Judge is a powerful hitter, with an OBP of .366 and a SLG of .689. Judge’s ability to hit for power and get on base make him one of the best hitters in the game.
Conclusion
The OPS statistic is an important measure of a hitter’s ability to get on base and hit for power. In 2021, the players with the highest OPS in Major League Baseball are Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts, Washington Nationals third baseman Juan Soto, and New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge. Betts, Soto, and Judge are all excellent hitters, and their ability to get on base and hit for power make them some of the most valuable players in the game.