On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS): A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

In the realm of baseball statistics, On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS) stands as a cornerstone metric for evaluating a hitter's overall offensive performance. It combines two essential elements of hitting: getting on base (OBP) and hitting for power (SLG).

Understanding OPS

OPS is calculated as the sum of a player's OBP and SLG:

OPS = OBP + SLG

OBP (On-Base Percentage) measures a player's ability to reach base, including walks, hits, and hit by pitches.

SLG (Slugging Percentage) reflects a player's power, calculated as the total bases earned per at-bat.

Interpreting OPS

OPS provides a comprehensive assessment of a hitter's ability to both get on base and drive in runs. It has become a widely accepted metric for evaluating hitters across different positions and teams.

General Guidelines:

• OPS below .700: Below average
• OPS between .700 and .800: Average
• OPS between .800 and .900: Above average
• OPS between .900 and 1.000: Excellent
• OPS above 1.000: Elite

Historical Context

OPS has been a valuable statistic for decades, with its origins traced back to the early 1900s. Over time, it has evolved alongside the game of baseball, reflecting the changing emphasis on different offensive elements.

Table 1: Historical OPS Leaders

OPS vs. Other Metrics

While OPS is a widely used metric, it is not without its limitations. Here's how it compares to other offensive statistics:

vs. Batting Average: OPS is more comprehensive, accounting for both OBP and SLG, while batting average only considers hits.
vs. Home Runs: OPS gives less weight to home runs compared to metrics like Isolated Power (ISO).
vs. Runs Created: OPS does not directly measure runs created, unlike methods such as Runs Created above Average (RC+).

Using OPS Effectively

OPS can be a valuable tool for evaluating players, making lineup decisions, and predicting performance. Here are some tips for using it effectively:

Tips:

• Consider OPS along with other metrics to get a complete picture of a player's offense.
• Use OPS to identify players who are both consistent and powerful hitters.
• Compare OPS across different eras to account for changes in the game.
• Be cautious using OPS for defensive-minded players who sacrifice offense for fielding.

Step-by-Step Approach to Using OPS:

1. Calculate or find the OPS for a player.
2. Compare the OPS to league average or positional averages.
3. Consider other metrics and factors to gain further insights.
4. Make informed decisions based on the OPS analysis.

Pros and Cons of OPS

Pros:

• Comprehensive measure of overall offensive performance
• Widely used and standardized across the league
• Relates to runs scored and team success

Cons:

• Does not account for fielding or other non-offensive contributions
• Can be misleading for players with extreme home run or OBP numbers
• May not be as relevant in certain game situations

Conclusion

On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS) remains a valuable metric for assessing the offensive capabilities of a baseball player. By considering both on-base and power hitting, it provides a comprehensive evaluation of a hitter's ability to contribute to his team's success.

While OPS has its limitations, when used in conjunction with other metrics and factors, it can serve as a powerful tool for understanding and predicting offensive performance. By leveraging OPS, baseball analysts, fans, and managers can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the game and the players who dominate it.

Additional Resources

• Baseball Reference: On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS)
• Fangraphs: Glossary - On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS)
• MLB: Statcast - On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS)

Table 2: MLB OPS Leaders by Position (2023)

Table 3: OPS by Position (MLB Average 2021)