What is OPS in Baseball? A Complete Guide to the Stat

Baseball is a sport filled with terms and abbreviations that can sometimes be confusing, especially for those new to the game. In this article, we will be diving into one of the lesser-known stats in baseball called OPS. OPS, which stands for On-Base Plus Slugging, is a valuable stat that provides a comprehensive measure of a player’s offensive production. It can be particularly useful in Fantasy Baseball, where a well-rounded offense is highly sought after. So, let’s break it down and learn all about OPS!

What is OPS?

OPS, as mentioned earlier, stands for On-Base Plus Slugging. This stat combines two important offensive stats: on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG). OBP measures a player’s ability to get on base, while SLG measures a player’s ability to hit for power. By combining these two stats, OPS provides a more complete picture of a player’s offensive contributions.

How is OPS Calculated?

Calculating OPS involves a simple formula. To calculate OBP, you add the number of times a player reaches base (hits, walks, and being hit by a pitch) and divide it by their total plate appearances. SLG, on the other hand, is calculated by adding the total bases a player gets from their hits, then dividing it by their total at-bats. Once you have both OBP and SLG, you simply add them together to get the player’s OPS.

Understanding OPS Numbers

Now that we know how the OPS baseball stat is calculated, let’s talk about how to interpret OPS numbers. Generally, a good OPS in baseball is around .800 or higher. This indicates that the player has above-average offensive production. However, OPS ranges can vary depending on the era and overall league averages. For example, during the “Steroid Era” in baseball, OPS numbers were often inflated due to increased power numbers.

To provide some examples, players like Mike Trout, Joey Votto, and Christian Yelich consistently have high OPS numbers, indicating their strong offensive contributions. On the other hand, players with low OPS numbers may struggle to produce offensively, such as Dee Gordon or Billy Hamilton.

Importance of OPS in Fantasy Baseball

In Fantasy Baseball, OPS is a valuable stat category to consider. While traditional stats like batting average or home runs are important, OPS provides a more well-rounded view of a player’s offensive contributions. It takes into account both a player’s ability to get on base and their power at the plate. By using OPS as a category in Fantasy Baseball, you can prioritize players who excel in both areas, giving your team a better chance to succeed.

When using OPS in Fantasy Baseball, it’s essential to consider the specific strategies and tips. Look for players who consistently have high OPS numbers and consider their track record of offensive production. Additionally, consider the context of the team they play for, as that can impact their overall opportunities.

Limitations of OPS

While OPS is a valuable stat, it does have its limitations. One criticism is that it doesn’t take into account other valuable offensive skills like speed on the basepaths or situational hitting. Additionally, OPS can also be influenced by external factors such as ballpark dimensions, which can impact a player’s ability to hit for power.

Some alternative or complementary stats to consider alongside OPS include weighted On-Base Average (wOBA), Wins Above Replacement (WAR), or adjusted OPS (OPS+). These stats can provide additional context and help paint a more complete picture of a player’s overall offensive contributions.

Conclusion

OPS is an important and valuable stat in baseball, providing a comprehensive measure of a player’s offensive production. By considering both a player’s ability to get on base and hit for power, OPS offers a more well-rounded view of a player’s offensive contributions. Whether you’re a baseball fan, a Fantasy Baseball player, or simply someone looking to learn more about the game, incorporating OPS into your analysis and evaluation of players can greatly enhance your understanding of the sport.

FAQs

What is a good OPS in baseball?

Answer

A good OPS in baseball is generally around .800 or higher. However, OPS ranges can vary depending on the era and league averages.

How does OPS compare to other offensive stats like batting average or home runs?

Answer

OPS provides a more well-rounded view of a player’s offensive contributions compared to stats like batting average or home runs. It takes into account both a player’s ability to get on base and their power at the plate.

Can OPS be used for comparing players from different eras?

Answer

OPS can be used to compare players from different eras, but it’s essential to consider the context of the era and league averages. OPS ranges can vary significantly depending on the time period.

Is OPS a reliable stat for evaluating pitchers as well?

Answer

OPS is primarily used for evaluating offensive performance. Other stats like Earned Run Average (ERA) or WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched) are more commonly used for evaluating pitchers.

How can I calculate OPS for a specific player?

Answer

To calculate OPS for a specific player, you need to calculate their on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG) first. Once you have these two stats, simply add them together to get the player’s OPS.

Can OPS be used to predict a player’s future performance?

Answer

While OPS can provide insight into a player’s offensive production, it should not be the sole factor in predicting a player’s future performance. Other factors such as age, injuries, and overall skill development should also be considered.

Are there any notable players with high OPS numbers?

Answer

Yes, there are many notable players with high OPS numbers. Some examples include Mike Trout, Joey Votto, Christian Yelich, and many more.

Pros and Cons of Using OPS in Baseball

While OPS is a valuable stat for evaluating a player’s offensive production, it’s important to consider both its strengths and limitations. Here are some pros and cons of using OPS in baseball:

Pros:

1. Comprehensive Measure: OPS combines the important offensive stats of on-base percentage and slugging percentage, providing a more complete picture of a player’s overall offensive contributions.
2. Easy to Calculate: OPS can be calculated using a simple formula, making it accessible and easy to understand.
3. Useful in Fantasy Baseball: OPS can be a valuable stat category in Fantasy Baseball, as it takes into account both a player’s ability to get on base and their power at the plate.
4. Allows for Player Comparison: OPS can be used to compare players from different eras, although it’s important to consider the context and era-specific averages.

Cons:

1. Doesn’t Account for Other Skills: OPS doesn’t consider other valuable offensive skills like speed on the basepaths or situational hitting.
2. Impact of Ballpark Dimensions: OPS can be influenced by the dimensions of the ballpark, which may favor or hinder a player’s ability to hit for power.
3. Not Suitable for Evaluating Pitchers: OPS is primarily used for evaluating offensive performance and may not accurately reflect a pitcher’s abilities. Other stats like ERA and WHIP are commonly used for evaluating pitchers.
4. Shouldn’t Be Sole Predictor of Future Performance: While OPS can provide insights into a player’s offensive production, it should not be the sole factor in predicting a player’s future performance. Other factors such as age, injuries, and skill development should also be considered.

By understanding both the benefits and limitations of OPS, you can effectively incorporate this valuable stat into your analysis of a player’s offensive abilities in baseball.

Further Reading

If you’re interested in diving deeper into the world of baseball stats, here are some additional resources to explore:

• MLB Official Website: The official website of Major League Baseball is a great resource for accessing up-to-date stats, news, and information about the game.
• FanGraphs: FanGraphs provides advanced baseball statistics and analysis, including detailed breakdowns of OPS and other related stats.
• Baseball-Reference: Baseball-Reference is a comprehensive online database of baseball statistics, allowing you to explore historical player data and compare stats across different eras.

These resources can help deepen your understanding of baseball stats and enhance your overall enjoyment of the game.