The Major League Baseball (MLB) is home to some of the most talented players in the world. Every season, teams compete for the best record and a chance to play in the World Series. But in order to be successful, teams must not only have great players but also have a strong pitching staff. One of the most important stats for measuring a team’s pitching performance is Earned Run Average (ERA). This statistic measures the average number of earned runs allowed by a pitcher over a nine-inning game. So which MLB team has the highest ERA?
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals have the highest ERA in the MLB with an average of 4.73. This is a reflection of their inability to keep the ball in the park and the high number of runs allowed. The Cardinals were also the only team in the league that allowed more than 1,000 runs in 2020. This was largely due to their starting pitching staff. The team had a 4.73 ERA from its starters, which is the worst in the league. The bullpen was slightly better with a 4.39 ERA, but it wasn’t enough to help the Cardinals get out of the bottom of the league.
Los Angeles Angels
The Los Angeles Angels have the second-highest ERA in the MLB with an average of 4.67. The Angels had a solid season in 2020, but their pitching staff struggled. The team had a 4.67 ERA from its starters, which is the second-worst in the league. The bullpen was slightly better with a 4.27 ERA, but it wasn’t enough to help the Angels get out of the bottom of the league. The Angels also allowed more than 1,000 runs in 2020, which is a reflection of their inability to keep the ball in the park and the high number of runs allowed.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates have the third-highest ERA in the MLB with an average of 4.64. The Pirates had a disappointing season in 2020, and their pitching staff was one of the main reasons why. The team had a 4.64 ERA from its starters, which is the third-worst in the league. The bullpen was slightly better with a 4.45 ERA, but it wasn’t enough to help the Pirates get out of the bottom of the league. The Pirates also allowed more than 1,000 runs in 2020, which is a reflection of their inability to keep the ball in the park and the high number of runs allowed.
Other Teams With High ERAs
In addition to the three teams mentioned above, there are several other teams with high ERAs. The Baltimore Orioles have the fourth-highest ERA in the league with an average of 4.50. The Detroit Tigers have the fifth-highest ERA with an average of 4.48. The Texas Rangers have the sixth-highest ERA with an average of 4.47. The Kansas City Royals have the seventh-highest ERA with an average of 4.45. The Seattle Mariners have the eighth-highest ERA with an average of 4.44. And finally, the Cincinnati Reds have the ninth-highest ERA with an average of 4.41.
Factors Contributing to High ERAs
There are several factors that can contribute to a team’s high ERA. Poor pitching performances, a lack of defensive support, and a lack of offensive support are all factors that can contribute to a high ERA. Additionally, teams with high strikeout rates and low walk rates tend to have higher ERAs as well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the St. Louis Cardinals have the highest ERA in the MLB with an average of 4.73. The Los Angeles Angels and the Pittsburgh Pirates are not far behind with ERAs of 4.67 and 4.64, respectively. Several other teams also have high ERAs, but the Cardinals are the worst in the league. Poor pitching performances, a lack of defensive support, and a lack of offensive support are all factors that can contribute to a team’s high ERA.