Spending so much time around baseball, both on the field and in the stands, has given me a real appreciation for solid performance. One stat that always stands out is "quality start." But what is a quality start in baseball, and why does it matter?
What Is a Quality Start in Baseball?
A quality start happens when a starting pitcher throws at least six innings and gives up three earned runs or fewer. A pitcher’s job is twofold: prevent the other team from scoring and record as many outs as possible. The quality start stat offers a way to measure how effectively pitchers meet these goals, highlighting those who do a “quality” job in both areas.
The Numbers Behind Quality Starts
To put things in perspective, let’s look at some numbers.
In 2023, the average ERA for starting pitchers in the MLB was around 4.32. A quality start with an ERA of 4.50 over six innings may sound average, but it’s far better than the chaos that often occurs when pitchers get pulled early. Quality starts, though not the only measure, help separate steady pitchers from inconsistent ones.
Did you know? Pitchers who consistently achieve quality starts end up with a lower ERA over the season.
In 2022, Sandy Alcántara, who led the league with 24 quality starts, posted an impressive 2.28 ERA and won the Cy Young Award. He didn’t just keep his team in the game. He dominated, game after game.
Getty Images North America/ Mitchell Layton / Stringer
Why Quality Starts Matter for the Whole Team
Pitching six innings with minimal runs helps the entire team, especially the bullpen. If the starter goes deep into the game, the bullpen can rest and be stronger for later innings or the next day.
A team that relies on quality starts can save their best relievers for crucial moments instead of overusing them.
When I watch a game, I’m always thinking about how each inning affects the bigger picture.
The numbers don’t lie. Teams with high-quality start counts tend to have better records because their starting rotation holds up under pressure, keeping games competitive and relievers rested.
For example, in 2022, the Los Angeles Dodgers led the MLB with 92 quality starts and finished with one of the best records in baseball at 111-51.
Getty Images / MLB/ Daniel Shirey / Stringer
Do Quality Starts Tell the Whole Story?
Of course, no stat is perfect.
While quality starts are a great indicator of consistency, they don’t cover everything. A pitcher who barely meets the quality start criteria – six innings and three runs – may have only kept the team in the game without excelling.
In contrast, a pitcher who gives up three runs in the first inning but then dominates the next five is technically credited with a quality start, even if they had a rough opening.
Then there are the elite performances.
A pitcher who throws eight scoreless innings is obviously doing more than just meeting the minimum for a quality start.
So, while this stat shows dependability, it doesn’t capture the full depth of dominance.
How Does a Quality Start Compare to Other Pitching Stats?
To round out a pitcher’s profile, consider pairing quality starts with stats like WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) and strikeout-to-walk ratios.
A pitcher with many quality starts and a low WHIP is likely to be a reliable arm who doesn’t allow a lot of baserunners.
For example, a pitcher like Justin Verlander posted a 0.83 WHIP in 2022, meaning he allowed less than one runner per inning – a remarkable level of control.
Another helpful stat is FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching), which measures a pitcher’s effectiveness based solely on strikeouts, walks, and home runs. This removes the impact of fielding, giving you an idea of how well the pitcher performs independently.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what is a quality start in baseball really means can give you a deeper appreciation for the game.
This stat isn’t just about the flashy numbers; it’s about a pitcher’s role as a dependable anchor for the team. Quality starts to reflect consistency, control, and a focus on the big picture – qualities that make all the difference when it comes to winning games.
The next time you’re watching a game, keep an eye out for that six-inning, three-run line. It may not look like a no-hitter, but it’s one of the most valuable performances a pitcher can deliver.