On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS) is a sabermetric baseball statistic calculated by adding a player’s on-base percentage (OBP) to their slugging percentage (SLG). OBP measures how frequently a batter gets on base, while SLG measures a batter’s power. To calculate OPS, one must first determine both OBP and SLG. OBP is calculated as (Hits + Walks + Hit by Pitch) / (At Bats + Walks + Hit by Pitch + Sacrifice Flies). SLG is calculated as (Singles + (2 Doubles) + (3 Triples) + (4 * Home Runs)) / At Bats. The sum of these two values yields the OPS.
This combined metric offers a quick and relatively simple way to assess a hitter’s overall offensive value. A higher OPS generally indicates a more productive offensive player. Historically, OPS gained prominence as analysts sought a more comprehensive statistic than batting average alone. Its utility lies in its consideration of both a player’s ability to get on base and their ability to hit for power, providing a more complete picture of their offensive contribution to a team.