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⚽sports journalism review

On-Base Plus Slugging

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

On-base plus slugging (OPS) is a baseball statistic that combines a player's on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG) to evaluate their overall offensive performance. OPS provides a comprehensive view of a player's ability to reach base and hit for power, making it an essential metric in analyzing batting effectiveness. By blending these two components, OPS helps reporters and analysts visualize a player's offensive contributions in an easily understandable manner.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. OPS is widely used among analysts and sports journalists to gauge a player's hitting performance, with a higher OPS indicating greater offensive value.
  2. An OPS of .800 or higher is generally considered above average in Major League Baseball, while an OPS of .900 or higher signifies elite offensive talent.
  3. OPS can be calculated using the formula: $$OPS = OBP + SLG$$, making it straightforward to derive from existing statistics.
  4. OPS allows for quick comparisons between players and can be especially useful when evaluating trades or free-agent signings.
  5. Because OPS combines two key metrics, it captures both a player's ability to get on base and their power-hitting skills in one number.

Review Questions

  • How does OPS enhance the understanding of a player's overall offensive capability compared to using traditional batting statistics?
    • OPS enhances understanding by combining on-base percentage and slugging percentage into one comprehensive metric. Traditional stats like batting average don't account for walks or extra-base hits, which are crucial for evaluating offensive contribution. By using OPS, sports journalists can provide a clearer picture of how effectively a player reaches base and produces runs through power hitting, making it easier to compare players across different contexts.
  • Evaluate the importance of OPS in modern baseball analytics and its impact on team strategies.
    • OPS has become integral to modern baseball analytics as it encapsulates both reaching base and hitting for power into one statistic. Teams increasingly rely on OPS when constructing rosters or developing strategies, as players with high OPS are seen as more valuable assets. This focus on OPS influences how teams approach game situations, including lineup construction and player development, reflecting a shift toward data-driven decision-making in the sport.
  • Synthesize how the use of OPS as a metric affects public perception of players and their market value in professional baseball.
    • The use of OPS as a metric significantly shapes public perception and market value by emphasizing players who excel at both getting on base and hitting for power. Analysts, fans, and teams increasingly reference OPS in discussions about player performance, which can elevate players with high OPS ratings even if other traditional metrics may not reflect their true impact. Consequently, this statistical spotlight influences contract negotiations and trade values, demonstrating how analytics can transform player valuation in professional baseball.