What is a Good OPS in Baseball?
Baseball, a sport that has been captivating audiences for over a century, is filled with statistics and metrics that help fans and analysts understand the game better. One such metric is OPS, which stands for On-Base Plus Slugging. If you’re curious about what a good OPS is and how it can impact a player’s performance, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into the details of OPS and what it means for a baseball player.
Understanding OPS
OPS is a measure of a player’s offensive production and is calculated by adding their on-base percentage (OBP) to their slugging percentage (SLG). The formula for OPS is as follows:
OPS = OBP + SLG
OBP is calculated by dividing the number of hits plus walks plus hit by pitches by the number of at-bats plus walks plus hit by pitches. SLG, on the other hand, is calculated by dividing the total bases (singles, doubles, triples, and home runs) by the number of at-bats.
For example, if a player has an OBP of .400 and a SLG of .600, their OPS would be 1.000. This means they are getting on base at a high rate and also hitting for power, which is a valuable combination in baseball.
Historical Context
OPS has been a part of baseball statistics for many years, but its significance has grown over time. In the early days of baseball, statistics were not as meticulously recorded as they are today. However, OPS has become an essential metric for evaluating a player’s offensive contributions.
One of the most notable players in baseball history with a high OPS is Babe Ruth. During his career, Ruth had an OPS of over 1.000 in several seasons, which is a testament to his incredible offensive prowess.
OPS by Position
OPS can vary significantly by position in baseball. Typically, players in the hitting positions, such as first base, third base, and designated hitters, are expected to have higher OPS numbers than players in the fielding positions, such as shortstop, second base, and center field.
Here’s a breakdown of average OPS by position:
| Position | Average OPS |
|---|---|
| First Base | 0.900 |
| Third Base | 0.900 |
| Designated Hitter | 0.900 |
| Second Base | 0.800 |
| Shortstop | 0.800 |
| Center Field | 0.800 |
| Left Field | 0.800 |
| Right Field | 0.800 |
These averages can vary depending on the league and era, but they provide a general idea of what is considered a good OPS for each position.
OPS and Performance
A good OPS can be a sign of a player’s offensive success. Generally, an OPS of 0.800 or higher is considered above average, while an OPS of 1.000 or higher is considered elite. However, it’s important to note that OPS is just one of many metrics used to evaluate a player’s performance.
For example, a player with a high OPS might be a great power hitter but struggle in other aspects of the game, such as defense or baserunning. Conversely, a player with a lower OPS might excel in other areas, such as fielding or stealing bases.
OPS and Team Success
In addition to individual player performance, OPS can also be a good indicator of team success. A team with a high collective OPS is more likely to score more runs and win more games.
For example, the 2016 Chicago Cubs had an OPS of 0.812, which was the highest in the National League that season. Their
