On-Base Plus Slugging, commonly known as OPS, is a simple calculation used to evaluate a batter’s overall offensive performance. It is derived by adding a player’s on-base percentage (OBP) to their slugging percentage (SLG). For example, a player with a .350 OBP and a .500 SLG would have an OPS of .850. This metric provides a quick assessment of a player’s ability to both get on base and hit for power.
The appeal of this calculation lies in its accessibility and ability to combine two key offensive statistics into a single, easily digestible number. It offers a more comprehensive view of a player’s offensive contribution than batting average alone, as it accounts for walks and extra-base hits. While not a perfect measure, it has become a standard tool in baseball analysis due to its simplicity and correlation with run production. Its use has grown significantly since its popularization in the latter half of the 20th century as statistical analysis became more prevalent in the sport.