MLB Commissioner Raises Concerns About Pitching Trends
As Major League Baseball continues to evolve, Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed concerns over current trends affecting the role of starting pitchers in the game. With the average number of innings pitched per start declining from 6.3 innings in 1984 to 5.2 innings in 2024, Manfred is cautious about implementing minimum inning requirements for starting pitchers, suggesting that such mandates may not effectively address the underlying issues.
The decline in innings pitched has resulted in teams increasingly relying on their bullpens to navigate through games. This shift in strategy is seen as a direct response to the modern focus on velocity and spin rate, which many experts, including physicians consulted by the league, believe contribute to the rising rate of injuries among pitchers. “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,” Manfred noted.
Instead of imposing blunt mandates on pitching, Manfred advocates for a more nuanced approach that incentivizes teams to develop pitchers capable of longer outings. He suggests that changes in transaction and roster rules could encourage clubs to nurture this type of player development. By adjusting these rules, the league could create incentives aligned with the development of starting pitchers who are equipped to handle extended appearances on the mound.
One suggestion that is being explored involves the practice of replacing relievers who have pitched consecutively for several days. “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 explained. By re-evaluating such practices, MLB might be able to foster a more balanced approach to pitcher usage.
Rethinking the Role of Starters
Starting pitchers have long been central to baseball's marketing and broadcasting efforts, their narratives extending beyond simple performance metrics. This recognition underscores the importance of reconsidering how starters are utilized to ensure their lasting impact on the sport. The "Double Hook" concept, which links a team's designated hitter slot to the presence of their starting pitcher, is an example of how innovative ideas can intertwine strategic on-field decisions with broader team dynamics.
As the league explores these potential changes, the backdrop of labor negotiations adds another layer of complexity. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement with the MLB Players Association is set to expire in 2026, potentially opening the door for discussions that could include these issues.
Further exploration of roster and transaction rules may provide opportunities to balance the league's evolving strategic tendencies with player health considerations. Any alterations will require collaboration between the league and the Players Association, ensuring that changes are made with both competitive integrity and player well-being in mind.
Road Ahead for MLB
MLB stands at a crossroads as it contemplates how to best support its starting pitchers while keeping the game competitive and engaging for fans. Commissioner Manfred’s emphasis on developing incentives rather than mandates highlights a thoughtful approach to complex issues. The league's efforts to harmonize the health and longevity of its pitchers with the strategic imperatives of modern baseball could shape the game for years to come.
The dialogue around these potential changes reflects MLB's understanding of the multifaceted challenges facing the sport. As discussions advance, it remains essential for all stakeholders to come together to ensure that any reforms foster a healthy, dynamic future for America's pastime.