Baseball's Evolving Metrics: The Rise of OPS and the Fall of Batting Average
The game of baseball is witnessing a revolution in how player performance is measured. Once a staple of the sport, batting average is now taking a backseat to more comprehensive metrics like OPS (On-base Plus Slugging). This shift is causing a stir among players, fans, and executives alike, leaving many to wonder: Is batting average still relevant?
In the early days of Andrew Benintendi's career, batting average was his primary focus. After hitting .312 in the minors, he made his major league debut in 2016. Fast forward to the present, and Benintendi, now in his 11th season, has shifted his attention to OPS and power numbers. This change in mindset reflects a broader trend in the MLB.
But here's where it gets controversial: The decline of batting average as a marquee statistic is evident in the recent free agency of Luis Arraez. Despite being a three-time batting champion with a career average of .317, Arraez struggled to find a team until just before spring training, eventually signing a one-year deal with the San Francisco Giants. This raises the question: Are teams undervaluing batting average?
Arraez's situation highlights the evolving priorities in baseball. While batting average treats all hits equally, OPS considers power and other methods of reaching base. As a result, players who hit for power and draw walks are increasingly valued, even if their batting average is lower. This shift is evident in the MLB-wide batting average, which has remained relatively stable since 2020, hovering around .245.
And this is the part most people miss: While batting average may be losing its luster, it still holds significance for players. Nico Hoerner of the Chicago Cubs, for instance, believes that in a game where strikeouts are valued, players who consistently put the ball in play at an elite level have a unique skill. This sentiment is shared by Sal Stewart, a Cincinnati infielder, who sees value in batting average despite focusing more on on-base percentage.
The evolution of baseball metrics is a fascinating one, and it's changing the way players approach the game. Benintendi's transformation from a batting average-focused player to an OPS-minded slugger is a testament to this shift. As the game continues to evolve, the debate over the relevance of batting average will undoubtedly continue, sparking discussions about the true measures of a player's success.
