How to Learn to Build a Business

Baseball is a game of strategy, statistics, and intangibles, with endless debates about which factors are most crucial for a team’s success. Some argue that defense wins championships, while others insist that pitching and offense are paramount. But one metric, OPS (On-base Plus Slugging), stands out as an essential measure for offensive performance. This article will explore why OPS is key for hitters, why pitchers should prioritize throwing strikes and avoiding walks, and why, contrary to traditional beliefs, defense is often overrated in baseball. Why OPS Is Key for Hitters OPS, a combination of on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG), is one of the most comprehensive statistics for evaluating a hitter's value. OBP measures a player’s ability to get on base, whether through hits, walks, or being hit by pitches. SLG measures the power of a hitter by giving more weight to extra-base hits (doubles, triples, home runs) than singles. By combining these two, OPS provide...