Inherited RunnersIR

IR stands for inherited runners in baseball. Runners already on base when a reliever came into the game — someone else’s mess, handed over.

How IR is calculated

Counted at the moment of the pitching change.

They never count against the new pitcher’s ERA. If they score, the run is charged to the pitcher who let them on, which is why a reliever can post a 1.50 ERA and still cost his team runs.

What counts as a good IR?

Half of the 283 qualified MLB players in 2026 were at or below 18. Clearing 33.8 put a season in the top tenth of the league.

Median: 18
Top 10%: 33.8
Leader: 53

By position, the median was 20 for RP and 3 for SP.

Qualified: 30+ IP, non-zero, 2026 regular season.