On-Base Plus Slugging, frequently cited as OPS, offers a simple yet insightful method for evaluating a hitter’s overall offensive contribution. It is derived by adding a player’s on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG). The on-base percentage measures how frequently a player reaches base, encompassing hits, walks, and hit-by-pitches, while the slugging percentage reflects a player’s power, assigning weighted values to different types of hits (singles, doubles, triples, and home runs). As an illustration, a player with a .350 OBP and a .500 SLG would have an .850 OPS.
The metric gains significance from its ease of calculation and its ability to provide a more holistic view of offensive production compared to single statistics like batting average. It acknowledges the value of both getting on base and hitting for power, two critical components of a successful hitter. Historically, OPS gained prominence as sabermetric analysis became more prevalent, offering a readily accessible tool for evaluating offensive prowess. This metric has aided in talent evaluation, player valuation, and strategic decision-making within baseball organizations.