Introduction
OPS, which stands for On-base Plus Slugging, is a popular advanced statistic in baseball that combines a player’s on-base percentage and slugging percentage. It is used to measure a player’s overall offensive production. In this article, we will delve into what OPS is, how it is calculated, why it is important, and how it can be used to evaluate players.
What is OPS?
OPS is a simple calculation that adds a player’s on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG) together. The formula for calculating OPS is:
(OBP + SLG)
Calculating OPS
To calculate OPS, you first need to determine a player’s on-base percentage by dividing the total number of times a player reaches base by their total plate appearances. The formula for OBP is:
(Hits + Walks + Hit by Pitch) / (At bats + Walks + Hit By Pitch + Sacrifice Flies)
The next step is to calculate a player’s slugging percentage by dividing the total number of bases a player reaches by their total at-bats. The formula for SLG is:
((1B) + (2B x 2) + (3B x 3) + (HR x 4)) / At bats
Once you have both OBP and SLG, you can add them together to get the player’s OPS.
Importance of OPS
OPS is a valuable statistic because it provides a better understanding of a player’s overall offensive performance. By combining on-base percentage and slugging percentage, OPS gives a more comprehensive view of a player’s ability to get on base and hit for power. It can be a useful tool for evaluating players and comparing their offensive production.
Using OPS to Evaluate Players
OPS can be used to evaluate players in several ways. A higher OPS typically indicates a more productive offensive player, while a lower OPS may suggest areas for improvement. Comparing a player’s OPS to the league average or to other players at their position can give insights into their offensive abilities.
Examples of OPS
Let’s look at some examples of players with high OPS values. In the 2021 MLB season, Shohei Ohtani had an OPS of 1.037, indicating his exceptional offensive skill. On the other hand, a player like Joey Gallo had an OPS of .779, which is still above the league average but not as high as Ohtani’s.
Case Studies
One notable case study is Barry Bonds, who holds the record for the highest single-season OPS in MLB history with a staggering 1.422 in 2004. Bonds’ incredible ability to get on base and hit for power contributed to his exceptional OPS that season.
Conclusion
OPS is a valuable statistic in baseball that provides a comprehensive view of a player’s offensive performance. By combining on-base percentage and slugging percentage, OPS can help evaluate players, compare their production, and identify areas for improvement. Understanding OPS can enhance your appreciation and analysis of the game of baseball.
