As the modern game of baseball evolves, so too does the approach to pitching strategy. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has put the spotlight on a concerning trend in the sport: the diminishing number of innings pitched by starters. Once the backbone of any baseball team, starting pitchers are now spending less time on the mound, and this shift is prompting discussions at the highest levels of the game.
Decline in Innings and Rising Reliance on Bullpens
Historically, starting pitchers have faced the grueling task of going deep into games. However, recent statistics depict a stark decline in the innings-per-start metric, dropping from 6.3 innings in 1984 to a mere 5.2 innings by the 2024 season. The reliance on bullpens has dramatically increased, transforming how the game is managed from both strategic and operational perspectives.
Commissioner Manfred acknowledges this shift and has expressed his reservations about imposing stringent minimum inning requirements for starting pitchers. The idea might seem straightforward, yet Manfred characterizes it as "just too blunt an instrument to fix this problem." Instead of enforcing rigid mandates, the Commissioner is exploring alternative avenues that might incentivize teams to keep their starters in games longer.
Focus on Velocity and Spin Rate Raises Concerns
Another dimension to this issue is the increasing focus on velocity and spin rate, often cited as key factors behind the rise in pitcher injuries. Manfred explains, "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."
This emphasis on performance metrics over traditional pitching durability not only impacts player health but also alters team dynamics and roster management. "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 points out, illustrating the challenges teams face in balancing rest and roster consistency.
Potential Solutions and Incentives
Rather than imposing direct regulations, Manfred suggests that the league consider measures that incentivize clubs to develop pitchers who can sustain longer outings. "I think it has to be a series of rules that create incentive for the clubs to develop pitchers of a certain type," he explains, hinting at a holistic approach that might extend beyond mere rule changes.
Among the concepts under consideration is the intriguing "Double Hook" rule, which links a team’s designated hitter slot to the tenure of its starting pitcher. This innovation could potentially transform the strategic value of keeping starters in the game for longer periods, thereby indirectly promoting pitcher endurance through gameplay incentives.
Looking Ahead: The Bigger Picture
The implications of starter usage extend beyond the field of play. Starting pitchers often play pivotal roles in marketing and broadcasting narratives, making their sustained on-field presence valuable not just for teams but for the sport’s broader narrative, public appeal, and commercial success.
The ongoing discussions will undoubtedly be influenced by the MLB's upcoming collective bargaining agreement, set to expire in 2026. Within this framework, there may be opportunities to negotiate adjustments that support Manfred’s vision of nurturing pitchers’ longevity while also addressing player safety and performance concerns.
In summary, the evolving role of starting pitchers in MLB encapsulates broader shifts within the game, fueled by statistical analysis, performance metrics, and a fundamental change in strategic outlook. As Commissioner Manfred navigates this complex landscape, the balance between maintaining tradition and embracing innovation remains at the forefront of baseball’s ongoing evolution.