Commissioner Manfred Considers New Strategies to Enhance MLB Pitchers' Endurance
In the evolving landscape of Major League Baseball, Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed significant concerns about the decreasing longevity of starting pitchers' appearances on the mound. With the innings-per-start metric falling from 6.3 innings in 1984 to a mere 5.2 in 2024, the dependency on bullpens has reached unprecedented levels. Manfred has voiced skepticism about implementing rigid minimum inning requirements for starters, describing such measures as "just too blunt an instrument to fix this problem."
Instead of enforcing a more direct approach, Manfred is advocating for a nuanced strategy that encourages clubs to cultivate pitchers capable of sustaining longer outings. At the core of this issue is the increased focus on pitchers' velocity and spin rate, which has been linked to a spike in injuries. "Our physicians have studied this carefully," Manfred noted, "and they continue to believe that the focus on velocity and spin rate is a specific cause of the increase of injuries."
The Search for Incentives
Rather than mandating a one-size-fits-all solution, Manfred believes the answer lies in crafting a series of rules that incentivize clubs to develop pitchers who can reliably extend their presence in a game. "I think it has to be a series of rules that create incentive for the clubs to develop pitchers of a certain type," he stated.
One proposed solution involves adjusting transaction policies. Traditionally, a pitcher who has pitched three consecutive days might be removed from the roster to recuperate, triggering a replacement. Manfred suggests revising these rules so impacted players remain rostered, potentially promoting longer starter outings and reducing bullpen dependency. "One of the things that happens today, guy pitches three days in a row, he gets outrighted, they bring somebody else in to give him some rest, as opposed to him staying on the roster the whole time," he explained.
Marketing and Player Engagement
The significance of starting pitchers transcends their performance. They play pivotal roles in team marketing and broadcasting narratives. As such, reinforcing their presence carries substantial promotional value for MLB. Concepts like the "Double Hook," which ties a team's designated hitter to the participation of their starting pitcher, highlight innovative approaches under consideration.
The urgency of addressing this issue is underscored by the impending expiration of MLB’s Collective Bargaining Agreement with the MLB Players Association in 2026. The league is exploring adjustments that prioritize player longevity and performance while promoting entertaining and engaging games for fans.
If successful, these initiatives could rejuvenate the significant role starting pitchers have traditionally played in baseball, meeting the challenges of a new era head-on while maintaining the integrity and allure that fans expect from America's pastime.