What is a Quality Start (QS)?

A QS requires 6+ innings pitched with 3 or fewer earned runs. Coined by John Lowe in 1985 as a fairer alternative to wins/losses.

Note: 6 IP / 3 ER works out to a 4.50 ERA — the modern bar for a quality start feels too low. HQS (High Quality Start: 7 IP / 2 ER or fewer) is often used as a stricter version.

With shorter starts becoming the norm, total QS counts are declining. League average is about 60 QS per team in 2024, and even aces post just 20–25.

Shota Imanaga racked up steady QS counts in 2024, while pitch-limited starters like Roki Sasaki struggle to log enough innings to qualify. Read it in role context.

→ Related: ERA / FIP / WHIP