Understanding the OPS Average in MLB: A Comprehensive Guide

When diving into the world of Major League Baseball (MLB), one of the most intriguing statistics to analyze is the OPS average. OPS stands for On-Base Plus Slugging, and it’s a composite statistic intended to gauge a player’s ability to get on base and hit for power. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of the OPS average, its significance, and how it compares across different eras and teams.

What is OPS?

OPS is a simple yet powerful metric that combines two key components: on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG). OBP measures how often a player reaches base, while SLG measures the power of a player’s hits. By adding these two percentages together, we get a single number that reflects a player’s overall offensive prowess.

Here’s a breakdown of how each component is calculated:

Where:

• H = Hits
• BB = Walks
• HBP = Hit by Pitch
• AB = At Bats
• 2B = Doubles
• 3B = Triples
• HR = Home Runs
• SB = Stolen Bases
• CS = Caught Stealing
• SF = Sacrifice Flies

Significance of OPS

The OPS average is a crucial tool for evaluating a player’s offensive contributions. A higher OPS indicates a more productive offensive player, as it suggests the ability to get on base and hit for extra bases. Here are a few reasons why OPS is so significant:

• OPS is a comprehensive measure of offensive ability, encompassing both on-base skills and power hitting.

• OPS is a consistent metric across different eras, making it easier to compare players from different seasons and decades.

• OPS is a valuable tool for fantasy baseball players, as it helps them identify the most productive players to draft.

OPS Across Eras

Over the years, the OPS average has fluctuated due to changes in the game, such as the introduction of the designated hitter (DH) in the American League in 1973. Let’s take a look at how the OPS average has changed across different eras:

As you can see, the OPS average has steadily increased over the years, which can be attributed to several factors, including the introduction of the DH, increased use of performance-enhancing drugs, and changes in pitching strategies.

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