MLB Leaders OPS: A Comprehensive Overview
When it comes to evaluating a player’s offensive prowess in Major League Baseball (MLB), the On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS) statistic is a crucial metric. It combines on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG) to provide a comprehensive view of a player’s ability to get on base and hit for power. In this article, we will delve into the MLB leaders in OPS, exploring their performances, statistics, and the factors contributing to their success.
Understanding OPS
Before we dive into the leaders, let’s briefly discuss what OPS represents. OPS is calculated by adding a player’s OBP and SLG. OBP measures the percentage of times a player reaches base, while SLG measures the percentage of times a player hits for extra bases. A higher OPS indicates a more productive offensive player.
Here’s a simple formula to calculate OPS:
| On-Base Percentage (OBP) | Slugging Percentage (SLG) | On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.400 | 0.600 | 1.000 |
| 0.300 | 0.500 | 0.800 |
| 0.200 | 0.400 | 0.600 |
As you can see from the table, a player with an OPS of 1.000 is considered to be an elite offensive talent, while a player with an OPS below 0.700 is typically considered below average.
2021 MLB Leaders in OPS
Now, let’s take a look at the 2021 MLB leaders in OPS. The following table showcases the top 10 players in this category:
| Rank | Player | Team | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mike Trout | Los Angeles Angels | 1.125 |
| 2 | Franchy Cordero | Chicago Cubs | 1.050 |
| 3 | Shohei Ohtani | Los Angeles Angels | 1.025 |
| 4 | Christian Yelich | Milwaukee Brewers | 1.020 |
| 5 | Joshua Rojas | Los Angeles Dodgers | 1.010 |
| 6 | Yasmani Grandal | Los Angeles Dodgers | 1.005 |
| 7 | Joey Votto | Cincinnati Reds | 1.000 |
| 8 | Freddie Freeman | Atlanta Braves | 0.990 |
| 9 | Mike Moustakas | San Diego Padres | 0.980 |
| 10 | Willie Calhoun | Texas Rangers | 0.975 |