In a recent discussion about the changing dynamics of Major League Baseball, Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed concerns regarding the dwindling number of innings pitched by starting pitchers. With an innings-per-start metric dropping from 6.3 innings in 1984 to a mere 5.2 innings in 2024, there is a growing reliance on bullpen staff to close out games. This shift has prompted debates about the repercussions for both the health of pitchers and the strategic aspects of the game.
The Changing Role of Starting Pitchers
Manfred has highlighted the importance of starting pitchers not only for their performance on the field but also for their role in enhancing the marketing and broadcasting narratives of the league. However, the current trends suggest that teams are increasingly opting for short stints on the mound, possibly influenced by advanced metrics focusing on velocity and spin rate. These metrics, while crucial for performance evaluation, have been linked to a rise in pitcher injuries. Manfred noted, "I do see both problems as pretty serious. I think the injury issue, our physicians have studied this carefully [and] they continue to believe that the focus on velocity and spin rate is a specific cause of the increase of injuries."
Rethinking Policy: Beyond Inning Mandates
While some have suggested imposing minimum inning requirements for starting pitchers, Manfred views this as an overly simplistic approach. He described the idea as "just too blunt an instrument to fix this problem." Instead, he advocates for rules that would incentivize teams to cultivate pitchers capable of longer appearances in games. "I think it has to be a series of rules that create incentive for the clubs to develop pitchers of a certain type," he elaborated.
One of the potential solutions that Manfred suggests involves altering transaction rules. Currently, teams often rotate pitchers in and out of their roster to manage their workload. "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," Manfred commented, indicating a need for a more stable roster strategy that could benefit pitcher development.
Innovative Proposals: The "Double Hook" Concept
Among the proposals on the table is the intriguing "Double Hook" concept, which ties a team's designated hitter position to the presence of their starting pitcher. This idea could potentially reshape the strategic landscape of the game, encouraging teams to keep their starters on the mound longer to maintain their offensive advantage.
Looking Forward to Collective Solutions
As the MLB's collective bargaining agreement with the MLB Players Association is set to expire in 2026, these discussions are more pertinent than ever. The expiration provides a window for negotiations around potential rule changes and incentives that could encourage clubs to develop and retain starting pitchers who can endure longer outings.
While it remains to be seen how these ideas will evolve into actionable policies, Manfred's emphasis on exploring alternative measures reflects a forward-thinking approach to league management. By balancing the need for competitive integrity with player safety, there is hope for a future where starting pitchers once again play a prominent and extended role in baseball games, much to the delight of fans and broadcasters alike.