Baseball is a game of numbers, and one of the most important statistics used to evaluate a player’s offensive performance is OPS.
OPS stands for On-Base Plus Slugging, and it combines two key components of a player’s offensive production: their ability to get on base and their power at the plate.
In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of OPS, explore how it is calculated, and discuss what constitutes a good OPS in baseball.
Understanding OPS
OPS is a simple yet powerful metric that provides a comprehensive view of a player’s offensive contributions.
It is calculated by adding a player’s on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG) together.
The formula for OPS is as follows:
OPS = OBP + SLG
On-base percentage measures a player’s ability to reach base safely, while slugging percentage quantifies their power by measuring the number of bases they accumulate per at-bat.
By combining these two metrics, OPS provides a more complete picture of a player’s offensive prowess than either OBP or SLG alone.
Interpreting OPS
OPS is expressed as a decimal, typically ranging from .600 to 1.000 or higher.
The higher the OPS, the better the player’s offensive performance.
However, it is essential to understand the context in which OPS is evaluated.
Different positions and eras in baseball history have varying average OPS values, so it is crucial to compare a player’s OPS to the league average or their peers at the same position.
OPS+ and wRC+
To account for these contextual differences, advanced statistics like OPS+ and weighted runs created plus (wRC+) have been developed.
OPS+ adjusts a player’s OPS to the league average, taking into account factors such as ballpark effects and era.
An OPS+ of 100 is considered league average, while values above 100 indicate an above-average performance.
Similarly, wRC+ measures a player’s offensive contributions relative to the league average, but it also incorporates other factors such as park effects and the run-scoring environment.
Like OPS+, a wRC+ of 100 represents league average, with values above 100 indicating above-average performance.
BASEBALL STATS EXPLAINED: Learn what OPS means and other baseball stats
What Is Considered a Good OPS?
Now that we understand the basics of OPS, let’s explore what is considered a good OPS in baseball.
The answer to this question depends on various factors, including the player’s position, the era in which they played, and the league average OPS during that time.
Historical Perspective
OPS values have evolved over time due to changes in the game, such as the introduction of the designated hitter (DH) in the American League in 1973 and the increased emphasis on power hitting in recent years.
Therefore, it is essential to consider the historical context when evaluating OPS.
In the early years of baseball, an OPS above .800 was considered excellent, as the game was primarily focused on contact hitting and manufacturing runs.
However, as power hitting became more prevalent, the bar for a good OPS gradually increased.
In recent decades, an OPS above .900 is generally considered excellent, with players like Barry Bonds, Babe Ruth, and Ted Williams consistently posting OPS values well above 1.000.
However, it is important to note that these players are outliers and represent the pinnacle of offensive performance.
Positional Expectations
OPS expectations also vary depending on the player’s position.
Traditionally, positions like first base and outfield have higher offensive expectations, while positions like shortstop and catcher prioritize defensive skills.
Therefore, a good OPS for a first baseman may be higher than that of a shortstop.
For example, a first baseman with an OPS above .850 would be considered good, while a shortstop with an OPS above .750 would be considered solid.
These positional expectations help provide a fair comparison between players at different positions.
Examples of Good OPS
Let’s take a look at some examples of players with good OPS values in recent years:
Mike Trout
Mike Trout, widely regarded as one of the best players in baseball, consistently posts exceptional OPS numbers.
Throughout his career, Trout has maintained an OPS above 1.000, making him an offensive force to be reckoned with.
Joey Votto
Joey Votto, a first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds, is known for his exceptional plate discipline and ability to get on base.
Votto has consistently posted OPS values above .900, making him one of the premier offensive players at his position.
Mookie Betts
Mookie Betts, now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been a consistent performer with a well-rounded offensive game.
Betts has consistently posted OPS values above .800, showcasing his ability to contribute both with power and on-base skills.
FAQ: What Is a Good OPS in Baseball?
1. What is OPS in baseball?
OPS stands for On-Base Plus Slugging and is a statistic that combines a player’s on-base percentage and slugging percentage to measure their offensive performance.
2. How is OPS calculated?
OPS is calculated by adding a player’s on-base percentage and slugging percentage together.
3. What is a good OPS in baseball?
A good OPS in baseball depends on various factors, including the player’s position, the era in which they played, and the league average OPS during that time.
Generally, an OPS above .900 is considered excellent, while an OPS above .800 is considered good.
4. How does OPS+ adjust for context?
OPS+ adjusts a player’s OPS to the league average, taking into account factors such as ballpark effects and era.
An OPS+ of 100 represents league average, with values above 100 indicating above-average performance.
5. What is wRC+?
wRC+ is another advanced statistic that measures a player’s offensive contributions relative to the league average, incorporating factors such as park effects and the run-scoring environment.
6. Does OPS vary by position?
Yes, OPS expectations vary by position.
Positions like first base and outfield traditionally have higher offensive expectations, while positions like shortstop and catcher prioritize defensive skills.
7. Who are some players with good OPS values?
Players like Mike Trout, Joey Votto, and Mookie Betts consistently post good OPS values, showcasing their offensive prowess.
8. How has OPS evolved over time?
OPS values have increased over time due to changes in the game, such as the introduction of the designated hitter and the increased emphasis on power hitting.
Therefore, it is important to consider the historical context when evaluating OPS.
9. Can OPS be used to compare players from different eras?
While OPS can provide a rough comparison between players from different eras, it is important to consider factors such as league average OPS and contextual adjustments like OPS+ to account for differences in the run-scoring environment.
10. Is OPS the only statistic used to evaluate offensive performance?
No, OPS is just one of many statistics used to evaluate offensive performance.
Other metrics like batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage provide additional insights into a player’s offensive abilities.
11. Can a player have a high OPS but still be considered a poor offensive player?
Yes, a player can have a high OPS but still be considered a poor offensive player if their contributions are heavily skewed towards one component, such as slugging, while lacking in other areas like on-base skills or situational hitting.
12. Are there any limitations to using OPS as an evaluation tool?
While OPS is a valuable metric, it does have limitations.
It does not account for factors like baserunning, situational hitting, or defensive contributions.
Therefore, it should be used in conjunction with other statistics and scouting evaluations for a comprehensive assessment of a player’s offensive abilities.
13. Can a player with a low OPS still be valuable to their team?
Yes, a player with a low OPS can still be valuable to their team if they excel in other areas of the game, such as defense, baserunning, or situational hitting.
OPS is just one piece of the puzzle when evaluating a player’s overall value.
14. How can OPS be used in fantasy baseball?
In fantasy baseball, OPS can be a useful statistic to evaluate a player’s offensive contributions.
It provides a more comprehensive view of a player’s performance than traditional categories like batting average or home runs.
15. Can OPS be used to compare players from different positions?
While OPS can provide a rough comparison between players from different positions, it is important to consider positional expectations and the defensive contributions of players when making comparisons.
Summary
OPS is a valuable statistic in baseball that combines a player’s on-base percentage and slugging percentage to measure their offensive performance.
A good OPS depends on various factors, including the player’s position, the era in which they played, and the league average OPS during that time.
While OPS provides valuable insights into a player’s offensive abilities, it should be used in conjunction with other statistics and scouting evaluations for a comprehensive assessment of their overall value.
