What is the Average OPS in MLB?

Baseball, often referred to as America’s pastime, is a sport that has seen numerous statistical advancements over the years. One such statistic that has gained significant attention is the On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS). In this article, we will delve into what the average OPS in Major League Baseball (MLB) is and explore various dimensions of this metric.

Understanding OPS

OPS is a measure of a player’s offensive production and is calculated by adding a player’s on-base percentage (OBP) to their slugging percentage (SLG). It provides a comprehensive view of a player’s ability to get on base and hit for power. The formula for OPS is as follows:

OPS = OBP + SLG

OBP is calculated by dividing the number of hits, walks, and 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.

Historical Average OPS in MLB

Over the years, the average OPS in MLB has fluctuated. To provide a clearer picture, let’s take a look at the historical average OPS for different eras:

As you can see, the average OPS has been on the rise over the past few decades. This can be attributed to various factors, including changes in pitching strategies, the use of performance-enhancing drugs, and the evolution of baseball equipment.

OPS by Position

OPS can vary significantly across different positions in baseball. Let’s take a look at the average OPS for each position in MLB:

As you can observe, designated hitters tend to have the highest average OPS, followed by first basemen and third basemen. This is primarily due to the fact that designated hitters are typically used to hit against the best pitchers in the league, while first and third basemen have more opportunities to hit for power.

OPS by

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