OPS combines two things that make a hitter dangerous into one number: his ability to get on base and his power. It’s the sum of OBP (on-base percentage) plus SLG (slugging).
How to read it
An OPS of .800 is already a solid hitter; getting past .900 over a season is star and MVP-candidate level. The single-season record belongs to Barry Bonds with a staggering 1.422 in 2004.
Why it’s used so much
Because in one figure it tells you, better than batting average, how much a hitter produces. That’s why it shows up in every broadcast and is the first «modern» metric worth learning.
FAQ
What OPS is good?
From .800 it’s a solid hitter; .900 or more is star level.
What do the letters stand for?
On-base Plus Slugging.
