Stats
OPS — Definition, Formula & Youth Benchmarks
OPS (On-Base Plus Slugging) is the best single number for measuring a batter's total offensive value. Formula: OBP + SLG. It captures both a player's ability to reach base and their power — the two things that drive run production. A .750 OPS is solid at most youth levels. An .850+ OPS is a player who can hit.
The Formula
OPS = OBP + SLG
That's it. Calculate On-Base Percentage and Slugging Percentage separately, then add them.
Example: A player with a .390 OBP and a .480 SLG:
OPS = .390 + .480 = .870
Why OPS Is the Best Single Offensive Stat
OPS isn't perfect, but it's the best single number available without advanced analytics infrastructure. Here's why:
It captures two dimensions. Batting average only measures hits. OBP measures reaching base. SLG measures power. OPS captures both — a player who reaches base frequently AND hits for power will have a high OPS, and that combination is what produces runs.
It differentiates players who look similar. Two players both hitting .290 — but one walks a lot and hits doubles, while the other never walks and only hits singles. Their batting averages are identical. Their OPS values will be very different, and the difference tells you who's the better offensive player.
It's simple to calculate. Unlike advanced metrics that require batted-ball data or complex models, OPS uses basic box score stats that every coach can track.
Youth OPS Benchmarks
| Level | Below Average | Average | Above Average | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10U Rec | Below .550 | .550-.750 | .750-.900 | .900+ |
| 12U Competitive | Below .600 | .600-.750 | .750-.900 | .900+ |
| 14U Travel | Below .600 | .600-.750 | .750-.900 | .900+ |
OPS and Lineup Construction
Rizzler's AI Batting Order uses OPS as a primary input for lineup placement:
- High OBP, moderate SLG (high OPS) → Top of the order. These players get on base and set the table.
- High SLG, moderate OBP (high OPS) → Middle of the order. These players drive in runs with extra-base hits.
- High OBP and high SLG (highest OPS) → Your best hitter. Bat them where they'll see the most at-bats with runners on base.
The traditional approach — "best hitter bats third" — is less precise than using OPS to determine where each player's offensive profile fits. More on lineup philosophy →
OPS Limitations
OPS isn't flawless. It weighs OBP and SLG equally, but research shows OBP is actually more valuable for producing runs. A player with .400 OBP / .350 SLG (.750 OPS) is often more valuable than one with .320 OBP / .430 SLG (.750 OPS) — same OPS, but the first player's on-base ability matters more.
At the youth level, this nuance rarely changes coaching decisions. OPS is good enough for identifying your best offensive players and building a lineup around them.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start looking at OPS for my players?
OPS becomes useful around 12U when players have enough plate appearances for meaningful stats and the competition level is consistent enough for stats to be reliable. Before 12U, focus on OBP and quality at-bats. What to track at 10U-11U →
Is OPS better than batting average?
For measuring overall offensive value, yes. A player with a .280 AVG and .830 OPS is almost always more valuable offensively than a player with a .310 AVG and .700 OPS. Why OBP matters more than AVG →
Does Rizzler calculate OPS automatically?
Yes. Score games in Rizzler or import stats from GameChanger, and OPS is calculated automatically for every player. The AI Batting Order uses it to build lineups.
