Pitching Market ‘Through the Roof,’ Forcing Clubs to Get Creative
The free-agent pitching market is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with a number of top-tier starters and relievers set to hit the open market.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the demand for pitching is so high that teams are being forced to get creative in their pursuit of arms.
“The pitching market is through the roof right now,” Feinsand said. “Teams are having to get creative to find ways to add pitching, and that’s leading to some interesting developments.”
One of the most interesting developments is the rise of the “opener.” An opener is a pitcher who starts the game but only throws one or two innings before handing the ball over to a long reliever. This strategy has become increasingly popular in recent years, as teams look for ways to limit the number of innings their starters throw.
The use of openers has been particularly effective for teams with young starters. By limiting their innings early in the season, teams can help their starters stay healthy and avoid burnout.
Another trend that is expected to continue in 2024 is the use of “bullpen days.” A bullpen day is when a team uses multiple relievers to start a game. This strategy has been used successfully by a number of teams in recent years, including the Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers.
Bullpen days can be particularly effective against teams with weak offenses. By using multiple relievers, teams can keep their opponents off balance and prevent them from getting into a rhythm.
The high demand for pitching is also leading to some interesting contract negotiations. In recent years, a number of pitchers have signed contracts that include incentives for innings pitched. These incentives can be very lucrative, and they can help pitchers earn more money over the course of their careers.
The combination of high demand and creative contract negotiations is making the pitching market one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. It will be interesting to see how teams continue to adjust to the changing landscape of the game.
Impact on the 2024 MLB Season
The high demand for pitching is expected to have a significant impact on the 2024 MLB season. Teams that are able to acquire top-tier pitching will be at a significant advantage.
The Yankees, Dodgers, and Mets are among the teams that are expected to be major players in the pitching market. These teams have all been linked to a number of top free agents, including Justin Verlander, Jacob deGrom, and Carlos Rodon.
If these teams are able to add one or two top-tier starters, they will be among the favorites to win the World Series in 2024.
However, the high demand for pitching is also expected to drive up the cost of acquiring arms. This could make it difficult for smaller market teams to compete for top-tier pitching.
Teams like the Rays and the Brewers have shown that it is possible to compete without spending a lot of money on pitching. However, these teams have been able to do so by developing their own young pitchers.
It will be interesting to see how smaller market teams are able to compete in the high-priced pitching market. They may need to get creative and find ways to acquire pitchers who are not the biggest names on the market.
Pitching market ‘through the roof,’ forcing clubs to get creative
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