Major League Baseball is at a crossroads regarding its handling of starting pitchers. Commissioner Rob Manfred recently elaborated on the challenges faced by the league, particularly the evolving role of starting pitchers and the potential solutions under consideration. As teams become more reliant on their bullpens, the innings-per-start metric has seen a significant decline, dropping from 6.3 innings in 1984 to 5.2 in 2024. This shift raises concerns not just about game strategy but about the long-term health and marketability of pitchers.
The Decline of the Inning-Eater
Gone are the days when starting pitchers would regularly pitch deep into games, often completing them. The current trend sees pitchers exiting games earlier, prompting teams to rely more heavily on their bullpen. This change in strategy is partly driven by a focus on pitcher velocity and spin rate—an approach Commissioner Manfred identifies as a contributing factor to rising injury rates among pitchers.
"I do see both problems as pretty serious," Manfred remarked, emphasizing the injury issue. "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.” This shift toward maximizing short-term performance metrics is taking a toll on pitchers' health and altering the dynamics of the game.
Exploring Incentive-Based Solutions
While some propose imposing minimum inning requirements for starters as a solution, Manfred is skeptical. "Just too blunt an instrument to fix this problem," he noted, advocating instead for strategic rule changes that don't restrict teams but rather create incentives for developing pitchers capable of lasting longer 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," Manfred explained. One speculative proposal, known as the "Double Hook" concept, suggests linking a team's designated hitter slot to the presence of their starting pitcher. This would provide a tactical incentive to keep starters in the game longer.
Adjusting to the Modern Game
As baseball adapts to modern analytics and strategy, Manfred also highlighted potential adjustments to roster and transaction rules. The current system allows teams to cycle through bullpen arms freely, often at the expense of player continuity.
One illustrative point Manfred mentioned: "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." Adjusting these rules could allow teams more flexibility while also encouraging the use of innings-eating starters.
The Broader Implications
Beyond performance and health, starting pitchers hold crucial importance for the marketing and broadcasting narratives of the MLB. Their presence on the mound is central to the fan experience and the storylines that captivate audiences. Therefore, any change in how pitchers are utilized will inevitably impact more than just the players themselves.
As the MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement with the MLB Players Association draws to its 2026 expiration date, these issues will likely play a significant role in negotiations. The eventual outcome will shape how both fans and franchises view the starting pitching position in the years to come.
The conversation around ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of starting pitchers is far from over. Through innovative rule changes and strategic incentives, the league hopes to strike a balance between modern analytics and the traditional expectations of a starter's role. Commissioner Manfred's measured approach suggests that the league is committed to exploring all viable solutions to preserve the health of its players and the integrity of the game.