What is a Good OPS in Baseball?
Baseball, often referred to as America’s pastime, is a sport rich in statistics and metrics that help fans and analysts gauge the performance of players. One such metric is On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS), which is a composite statistic intended to measure a player’s offensive contribution. In this article, we delve into what constitutes a good OPS in baseball, exploring its components and historical context.
Understanding OPS
OPS is calculated by adding a player’s on-base percentage (OBP) to their slugging percentage (SLG). OBP measures how often a player reaches base, while SLG measures the power of a player’s hitting. The formula for OPS is as follows:
| On-Base Percentage (OBP) | Slugging Percentage (SLG) | On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.300 | 0.500 | 0.800 |
As you can see from the table, a player with an OBP of 0.300 and a SLG of 0.500 would have an OPS of 0.800. This means they are getting on base at a rate of 30% and hitting for power at a rate of 50%, resulting in a combined offensive efficiency of 80%.
Historical Context
OPS has been a part of baseball statistics since the early 1970s. Over the years, the average OPS has fluctuated, largely due to changes in the game’s offensive environment. For instance, the Steroid Era of the late 1990s and early 2000s saw a significant increase in offensive production, which in turn raised the average OPS.
According to Baseball-Reference, the average OPS for all players from 1973 to 1996 was around 0.700. However, from 1997 to 2009, the average OPS rose to approximately 0.740. Since then, the average OPS has stabilized around 0.730 to 0.740.
What is a Good OPS?
So, what is considered a good OPS? The answer depends on the era and the league in which the player is competing. However, some general guidelines can be applied.
In the American League, an OPS of 0.800 or higher is typically considered elite. Players with an OPS in this range are often among the top hitters in the league. For example, in the 2020 season, the top five OPS leaders in the American League were all above 0.900, with the highest being 1.045 by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
In the National League, the standards are slightly lower, with an OPS of 0.750 to 0.800 generally considered good. For instance, in the 2020 season, the top five OPS leaders in the National League were all above 0.800, with the highest being 1.020 by Joey Votto.
OPS by Position
It’s also important to consider the position a player plays when evaluating their OPS. For instance, a shortstop with an OPS of 0.800 might be considered elite, while a designated hitter with the same OPS might be seen as merely average.
According to Baseball-Reference, the average OPS for shortstops from 1973 to 2020 was 0.710, while the average OPS for designated hitters was 0.820. This illustrates that while a high OPS is desirable for all positions, it is particularly valuable for hitters who play in more offensively challenging roles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a good OPS in baseball is a measure of a player’s offensive prowess, combining their ability to get on base and hit for power. While the definition of a good OPS can vary by era and league, an OPS of 0.800 or higher is generally considered elite, especially in the American League. By understanding the components of OPS and its historical context, fans and analysts can better appreciate the offensive contributions of players in the great game of baseball.
