What Is OPS in Baseball? A Simple Explanation for Parents
OPS explained in two minutes.
Our top picks at a glance
Youth Baseball GloveBest for the field★ 4.7
Folding Sideline ChairBest for parents★ 4.6We compared real Amazon listings in this category, kept the products with strong ratings and plenty of reviews, and read what buyers praise and complain about, so the "Heads up" notes are things real owners reported. Ratings and review counts are from Amazon as of Oct 30, 2026 and change over time. We earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you, and it never changes our picks.
OPS stands for On-base Plus Slugging. It adds two stats together to show how well a hitter reaches base and hits for power.
The formula
OPS = On-base percentage (OBP) + Slugging percentage (SLG)
- OBP shows how often a batter reaches base.
- SLG shows how many total bases a batter earns per at-bat.
What is a good OPS?
In major league baseball, an OPS around .700 is about average, and .800 or higher is considered very good. Youth stats vary a lot by league, so use OPS as a fun comparison, not a grade.
Why parents should care
It is a quick way to follow your player's progress and understand broadcasts. Just do not let numbers replace the fun.
Youth Baseball Glove
A pro-style youth glove that arrives mostly broken in.
- Soft, lightweight all-leather shell arrives close to game-ready
- Youth taper fit for smaller hands, with an 11-inch size popular for young infielders
- Rated 4.7 by more than 4,000 buyers
Folding Sideline Chair
The workhorse sideline chair: roomy, cushioned and with a built-in cooler pocket.
- Over 36,000 buyers rate it 4.6, and several report chairs lasting years of weekly use
- Built-in 4-can cooler arm plus cup holder keeps drinks within reach
- Cushioned seat and back, 18-inch seat height that is easy to get out of
The bottom line
If you only buy one thing from this guide, make it the Youth Baseball Glove (4.7 stars from 4,045 Amazon ratings). It is our top pick for best for the field.
See it on Amazon →Frequently asked questions
What does OPS stand for?
On-base Plus Slugging, the sum of on-base percentage and slugging percentage.
Is OPS better than batting average?
Many people prefer it because it includes walks and power, which batting average misses.