If you’ve ever wondered how hitters are judged in baseball, OPS is one of the key stats you’ll hear about. It combines a player’s ability to get on base and hit for power into one easy number. A good OPS starts at .800, showing a player is above average. When you see numbers climbing past .900, you’re looking at elite-level performance. Want to know why it matters so much? Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
OPS, or On-Base Plus Slugging, shows how well a player gets on base and hits with power. It combines these into one number.
A good OPS is .800 or higher, meaning the player is above average. An OPS over .900 means the player is excellent.
To understand OPS, you need to know On-Base Percentage (OBP) and Slugging Percentage (SLG). OPS is the total of these two numbers.
OPS is better than batting average because it shows both getting on base and hitting with power. It also predicts team success more accurately.
Teams use OPS to find great hitters and plan strategies. This helps them score more runs and win games.
OPS in Baseball: Definition and Calculation
What Does OPS Measure?
OPS, or On-Base Plus Slugging, shows how good a hitter is. It combines two key skills: getting on base and hitting hard. A player’s OPS tells how much they help their team score runs. There’s a strong connection between OPS and runs scored, with a correlation of 0.95. This means players with high OPS often help their teams score more. An OPS above .800 means the player is better than average. If their OPS is over 1.000, they are top-level hitters.
Explaining On-Base Percentage (OBP) and Slugging Percentage (SLG)
To understand OPS, you need to know its two parts: On-Base Percentage (OBP) and Slugging Percentage (SLG). Here’s what they mean:
On-Base Percentage (OBP): This shows how often a player gets on base. It includes hits, walks, and being hit by pitches. More times on base equals a higher OBP.
Slugging Percentage (SLG): This measures how powerful a hitter is. It counts the bases earned from hits. Home runs and doubles raise SLG more than singles.
Adding OBP and SLG gives you OPS. This number shows how much a player helps offensively. Knowing how OBP and SLG work is key to judging hitters.
Statistic | Formula | Description |
|---|---|---|
OBP | – | Measures how often a player gets on base. |
SLG | – | Shows how powerful a hitter is. |
OPS | OBP + SLG |
How Is OPS Calculated?
Figuring out OPS is simple. Add On-Base Percentage (OBP) and Slugging Percentage (SLG) together. For example, if a player has an OBP of .400 and an SLG of .500, their OPS is .900. This score means they are a strong hitter. A good OPS is above .800, while the league average is about .750. In 2022, the top 5 players had an average OPS of .990. This shows that an OPS over .900 is excellent. OPS gives a quick look at how well a player gets on base and hits for power.
Good OPS Versus Great OPS: The Performance Scale
League Average OPS and “Good” Performance (.690–.800)
When it comes to OPS in baseball, the league average typically falls between .690 and .750. If a player’s OPS is in this range, they’re considered average. They contribute to their team but don’t stand out offensively. However, when a player’s OPS climbs closer to .800, they enter the “good” category. This means they’re performing better than most players in the league.
A good OPS, starting at .800, reflects a player who consistently gets on base and hits with some power. These players are reliable contributors to their team’s offense. For example, in recent MLB seasons, players with OPS values around .800 have been key to their teams’ success, even if they weren’t the biggest stars.
Above-Average OPS: Strong and Competitive (.800–.900)
An OPS between .800 and .900 is where things get exciting. This range represents above-average OPS performance. Players in this category are strong hitters who can compete at a high level. They’re not just getting on base; they’re also hitting for extra bases, which helps drive in runs.
If you’re looking at a player with an OPS in this range, you’re seeing someone who can change the game. These players often find themselves in the middle of the batting order, where their ability to hit for power and get on base can make a big difference. Teams value these players because they’re consistent and competitive.
Great OPS and MVP-Level Numbers (.900+)
Once a player’s OPS crosses the .900 mark, they’re in elite territory. This is where you find the league’s best hitters, the ones who dominate at the plate. A great OPS like this shows a player who not only gets on base frequently but also hits with incredible power.
To put it into perspective, an OPS of 1.000 or higher is often associated with MVP-level performance. These players are game-changers. They’re the ones you want at the plate in clutch situations. Here’s a quick look at how OPS values are classified:
Classification | |
|---|---|
.800 | Good OPS |
1.000 | Elite OPS |
Players with a high OPS, especially those reaching 1.000 OPS, are rare and highly sought after. They’re the ones who can carry a team through a season and into the playoffs.
Historical and Current Leaders in MLB OPS
Notable Historical Greats in OPS
When you think about the best hitters in baseball history, OPS is a key stat that highlights their greatness. Some players have set the bar incredibly high, achieving the highest OPS in MLB history. Babe Ruth, for example, is often at the top of this list. His ability to get on base and hit for power was unmatched. Another legend, Ted Williams, also boasted one of the best OPS in MLB history. These players didn’t just excel; they dominated their eras.
If you’re curious about where to find more about these historical greats, several resources detail their achievements:
These resources provide a treasure trove of information on the highest OPS and the best hitters who have graced the game.
MLB Leaders in OPS Over Recent Years
In recent seasons, the MLB leaders in OPS have continued to impress with their offensive prowess. Players like Cedric Mullins have showcased their skills, achieving remarkable OPS numbers. Here’s a snapshot of some recent OPS leaders:
Player | OPS | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | RBI | wRC+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cedric Mullins | .295 | .433 | .590 | 6 | 20 | 200 | |
Aaron Judge | N/A | N/A | N/A | .698 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Pete Alonso | N/A | N/A | N/A | .695 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
These players have consistently been among the OPS leaders, demonstrating why they are considered some of the best hitters in the league. Their ability to maintain high OPS values makes them invaluable to their teams. As you follow the game, keep an eye on these players and others who might join the ranks of the highest OPS achievers.
Why OPS Matters in Baseball Analytics
Walks and Extra-Base Hits in OPS
Walks and extra-base hits are key to a player’s OPS. Walks show patience and smart choices at the plate. Extra-base hits, like doubles and home runs, show power and scoring ability. Together, they boost a player’s offensive value. Walks raise On-Base Percentage (OBP), while extra-base hits increase Slugging Percentage (SLG). Adding these together gives a full picture of hitting skill.
Here’s how different events affect OPS:
Event | Chance of Happening | Value of Event | Total Expected Value |
|---|---|---|---|
Walk | 8.5% | 0.69 | 0.059 |
Single | 14.2% | 0.88 | 0.125 |
Double | 4.5% | 1.25 | 0.056 |
Triple | 0.5% | 1.58 | 0.008 |
Home run | 3.0% | 2.03 | 0.061 |
As shown, walks and extra-base hits greatly improve OPS. Players strong in these areas often have great seasons and help their teams win.
Comparing OPS to Batting Average and Other Stats
OPS is better than batting average because it combines two skills: getting on base and hitting for power. Batting average only shows how often a player gets a hit. OPS gives a clearer view of a player’s offensive ability. Studies prove OPS predicts team success better than batting average or RBIs.
Why is OPS better?
It measures both patience (OBP) and power (SLG).
OBP is twice as important as SLG for winning games.
It closely matches runs scored, which is the main goal.
This shift to OPS shows how modern baseball values complete hitters. By using OPS, you can see how much a player helps their team.
How OPS Helps Evaluate Players
OPS is now a key stat for judging players. Teams use it to find hitters who can consistently help their offense. A high OPS means a player is good at getting on base and hitting for power. These players are often placed in important batting spots to drive in runs.
For example, a player with an OPS over .800 is above average. If their OPS is over .900, they are elite. OPS also helps compare players from different times and styles of play. It simplifies stats into one number, making it easier to see a player’s value.
In summary, OPS is more than just a number—it shows how much a player helps their team win. Whether you’re a fan or analyst, learning about OPS can help you enjoy the game even more.
OPS shows how good a player is at offense. It combines getting on base and hitting with power. This stat helps teams make better choices. Today, teams use OPS to set batting orders for more runs. Advanced stats like wRC+ and wOBA improve on OPS. They help compare players in different situations. Whether you watch or coach, knowing OPS makes the game more interesting.
FAQ
1. What is considered a good OPS in baseball?
A good OPS starts at .800. It shows a player is above average at getting on base and hitting for power. If a player’s OPS is over .900, they’re considered elite and among the best hitters in the league.
2. How does OPS differ from batting average?
OPS combines two skills: getting on base and hitting for power. Batting average only measures how often a player gets a hit. OPS gives a fuller picture of a player’s offensive value, making it more useful for evaluating performance.
3. Can a player have a high OPS without hitting home runs?
Yes! A player can achieve a high OPS by consistently getting on base (high OBP) and hitting doubles or triples (boosting SLG). Home runs help, but they’re not the only way to raise OPS.
4. Why is OPS important for teams?
OPS helps teams identify players who contribute the most offensively. It combines key stats into one number, making it easier to compare players and build strong lineups. Teams rely on OPS to make smarter decisions.
5. Is OPS the best stat for evaluating hitters?
OPS is great, but it’s not perfect. Advanced stats like wRC+ and wOBA adjust for factors like ballparks and league averages. These give even more context. Still, OPS remains one of the easiest and most popular ways to measure hitting performance.