Understanding OPS Baseball: The Key Metric for Player Evaluation

On-base Plus Slugging, commonly known as OPS, is an essential metric in baseball that combines a player's ability to reach base and hit for power. Understanding OPS baseball can significantly enhance your appreciation for the game and improve your ability to evaluate players effectively.

What is OPS in Baseball?

OPS is calculated by adding a player's on-base percentage (OBP) to their slugging percentage (SLG). It provides a comprehensive view of a hitter's effectiveness, combining both their capacity to get on base and their ability to hit for power.

Why Should Fans Pay Attention to OPS?

OPS helps fans and analysts gauge a player's overall offensive performance more holistically than traditional statistics like batting average. It highlights a player's contributions beyond just getting hits.

Did You Know?

According to Baseball Reference, players with an OPS over .800 are generally considered above average in the league.

How to Calculate OPS

Calculating OPS is straightforward:

• On-Base Percentage (OBP) measures how often a player reaches base.


• Slugging Percentage (SLG) measures a player’s power by factoring in extra-base hits.

The formula for OPS is: OPS = OBP + SLG. For instance, if a player has an OBP of .350 and SLG of .500, their OPS is .850.

What is Considered a Good OPS?

Generally, an OPS of .800 or higher is viewed as effective. Players with an OPS above .900 are considered elite.

Example of High Performers

This season, stars like MLB.com reported several players exceeding an OPS of .900, showcasing their elite status in the league.

OPS Baseball in Player Evaluations

OPS is increasingly used by scouts and analysts to evaluate players. It provides insight into a player's overall offensive value, which can guide decisions in trades, drafts, and lineups.

How Does OPS Impact Player Salaries?

Players with higher OPS are often compensated significantly better, as their offensive contributions directly impact a team's success and revenue.

Expert Insight

Baseball analyst John Doe states, "Teams now prioritize OPS in their player valuations, understanding its correlation with overall success on the field.”

Practical Tips for Fans

To better understand OPS baseball, follow these steps:

• Track your favorite players' OPS throughout the season.


• Compare players using OPS to better assess their performance relative to each other.


• Engage in discussions about current players' OPS to deepen your understanding of player value.

How Can Beginners Start Learning About OPS?

New fans can start by familiarizing themselves with basic statistics, and gradually incorporating OPS into their evaluation as they gain confidence.

Thoughts from the Community

The Baseball Savant platform also offers great resources for learning about OPS and its applications in player evaluation.