What is a good ops in baseball?

A good OPS (On-Base Plus Slugging) in baseball is generally considered to be anything above .800. However, what is considered "good" can vary depending on the era, league, and position played. Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• General Guidelines:
  • .800 - .899: A very good offensive player. Consistently contributes to run scoring.
  • .900+: An excellent offensive player, often among the league leaders. Potential MVP candidate.
• Context Matters:
  • Era: Offensive levels fluctuate. A .800 OPS in a low-scoring era is more valuable than a .800 OPS in a high-scoring era.
  • League: The American League (AL) often sees higher OPS numbers than the National League (NL) due to the designated hitter (DH) position.
  • Position: A .800 OPS for a catcher or shortstop is typically more impressive than a .800 OPS for a first baseman or corner outfielder, as the latter positions are generally expected to provide more offense.
• What it Represents: OPS combines a player's ability to get on base (On-Base Percentage (OBP)) with their ability to hit for power (Slugging Percentage (SLG)). It's a simple yet relatively effective way to measure a player's overall offensive contribution.
• Limitations: While useful, OPS does not consider all aspects of offense. It treats all hits equally in OBP (a single is worth the same as a home run for getting on base) and does not account for stolen bases, baserunning ability, or hitting in clutch situations. More advanced metrics like wOBA and wRC+ offer a more comprehensive view of offensive value.