OPS measures how much a hitter produces by combining two things: his ability to get on base and his ability to hit for power. In a single figure it tells you, better than batting average, how dangerous a player is at the plate. It stands for On-base Plus Slugging: on-base percentage plus slugging.
How is it calculated?
OPS = OBP (on-base percentage) + SLG (slugging)
- OBP measures how often he reaches base (including hits, walks and hit-by-pitches).
- SLG measures power, giving more value to a double, triple or home run than to a single.
Example: a hitter with a .380 OBP and a .520 SLG has a .900 OPS (.380 + .520). That number already puts him among the best in the league.
How to read it: what OPS is good
| OPS | Level |
|---|---|
| .900 or higher | Elite / MVP contender |
| .834 – .899 | Very good |
| .767 – .833 | Above average |
| .700 – .766 | Average |
| Below .700 | Below average |
An OPS of .800 already belongs to a solid everyday hitter. Topping .900 over a full season is star territory.
Examples with players
- Juan Soto has become a benchmark for the modern OPS: his plate discipline gives him a sky-high OBP that pushes his OPS well above .900.
- Miguel Cabrera, in his best years, lived above the .900-1.000 mark, blending average and power.
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. showed the potential of OPS when he chased the Triple Crown, mixing on-base skill and home runs.
[Live data — MLB API] Current-season OPS leaders: (filled in automatically).
Leaders and records
- Single-season record: Barry Bonds reached a 1.422 OPS in 2004, the highest in modern history.
- Best career OPS: Babe Ruth, with 1.164, followed by Ted Williams (1.116).
Why it matters
For decades batting average was king, but it only counts hits. OPS gained ground because it rewards what AVG ignores: drawing walks and hitting for power. That’s why it shows up on every broadcast today and is the first «modern» metric worth understanding.
Related stats
Frequently asked questions
What OPS is considered good?
From .800 up we’re talking about a solid hitter; .900 or higher is star level.
Is OPS better than batting average?
OPS gives a more complete picture, because it includes walks and power, not just hits.
What does OPS stand for?
On-base Plus Slugging: on-base plus slugging.
