ERA+ is to pitchers what OPS+ is to hitters: it takes earned run average (ERA) and adjusts it for the league and the ballpark, putting it on a scale where 100 is average. But heads up — here higher is better (the opposite of regular ERA).
How do you read it?
An ERA+ of 130 means the pitcher was 30% better than league average. It lets you fairly compare a pitcher from a high-offense era with one from a low-offense era.
| ERA+ | Level |
|---|---|
| 150 or more | Elite / Cy Young |
| 115 – 149 | Very good |
| 100 | League average |
| Below 90 | Below average |
Examples and records
- Pedro Martínez posted an ERA+ of 291 in 2000, the best single season in history.
- Mariano Rivera has the best career ERA+, around 205, thanks to his sustained dominance as a closer.
[Live data — MLB API] Current-season ERA+ leaders: (filled in automatically).
Why it matters
An ERA of 3.50 can be excellent in an offensive era and mediocre in a pitching one. ERA+ adjusts for that context, so it’s the best way to compare pitchers across eras.
Related stats
Frequently asked questions
Is higher better or worse?
Higher is better, unlike regular ERA.
What ERA+ is good?
115 is very good and 150 or more is elite level.
