The Ultimate Guide to OPS Baseball: Unlocking the Secrets of On-Base Plus Slugging

Introduction

In the realm of baseball, statistics reign supreme, providing valuable insights into player performance and team success. Among these metrics, On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS) stands out as a comprehensive measure of a player's offensive prowess. This guide will delve into the intricacies of OPS, explaining its significance, how to calculate it, and how it impacts the game.

What is On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS)?

Simply put, OPS measures a player's ability to get on base and hit for extra bases. It is calculated as the sum of a player's on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG), which are two key batting statistics.

Formula for Calculating OPS

OPS = OBP + SLG

• On-Base Percentage (OBP): Measures the player's ability to reach base, including walks, hit by pitches, and singles.

• Slugging Percentage (SLG): Measures the player's power, taking into account the number of total bases he accumulates with his hits (singles, doubles, triples, and home runs).

  

Why OPS Matters

OPS is a valuable statistic because it provides a holistic view of a player's offensive capabilities. By combining OBP and SLG, it captures both a player's ability to get on base and his ability to hit for power.

How OPS Benefits Teams

Teams with high-OPS players typically score more runs and win more games. Here are some of the benefits of having high-OPS players on a roster:

• Increased run production: OPS directly correlates with run production, as on-base percentage and slugging percentage both contribute to scoring runs.

  

• Improved efficiency: High-OPS players can create more scoring opportunities by getting on base and driving in runs.

• Versatility: OPS players provide versatility to a lineup, as they can contribute in multiple ways both offensively and defensively.

How to Step-by-Step Approach to OPS

1. Calculate OBP: (Hits + Walks + Hit by Pitches) / (At-Bats + Walks + Hit by Pitches)

2. Calculate SLG: (Total Bases) / (At-Bats)

3. Calculate OPS: OBP + SLG

OPS Thresholds

According to FanGraphs, the following OPS thresholds are considered:

Notable Players with High OPS

Throughout baseball history, numerous players have achieved remarkable OPS numbers, including:

OPS Rankings

The following table shows the top 10 MLB players with the highest OPS in the 2022 season:

Historical OPS Trends

Over the years, OPS has generally increased, reflecting the trend towards more offensive baseball.

FAQs

1. What is a good OPS? An OPS of 0.800 or higher is considered excellent.

2. Who has the highest career OPS? Barry Bonds has the highest career OPS (1.441) in MLB history.

3. How does OPS compare to batting average? OPS is a more comprehensive metric than batting average, as it takes into account both on-base ability and power.

4. Can a player with a low batting average have a high OPS? Yes, a player with a low batting average can still have a high OPS if they are able to draw walks and hit for power.

5. What is the relationship between OPS and WAR? OPS is a component of WAR (Wins Above Replacement), which is a sabermetric that measures a player's overall contribution to his team.

6. Is OPS a perfect metric? No, OPS is not a perfect metric, but it is a useful tool for evaluating player performance and team success.