How to Read OPS+ and ERA+

OPS+ scales a hitter's OPS to league average and park; ERA+ does the same for pitchers' ERA. Both center at 100, and higher is better for both — a clean cross-role comparison.

Formulas: OPS+ ≈ 100 × (OBP/lgOBP + SLG/lgSLG − 1); ERA+ = lgERA / ERA × 100 × park factor. Both neutralize unusual run environments year-to-year.

Reference points: 120 = 20% above average, 150 = MVP / Cy Young level, 180+ = historic season. Useful for comparing players across eras.

wRC+ has emerged as a more refined version of OPS+, but ERA+ remains the standard for pitchers. FIP+ extends the same logic to FIP.

→ Related: OPS / ERA / wRC+ / FIP