MLB Commissioner Proposes Incentives for Pitchers

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has dismissed the idea of enforcing minimum inning requirements for starting pitchers, labeling it as 'too blunt an instrument' to address the issue of declining innings pitched. Instead, he advocates for incentivizing teams through changes in transaction rules to encourage starters to pitch deeper into games. Manfred emphasized that the league aims to enhance the marketing of starting pitchers, who are crucial for broadcast visibility and fan engagement. He noted a significant decline in innings-per-start rates, which has implications for the game's narrative and promotional strategies. Additionally, Manfred raised concerns about salary deferrals in contracts, warning they can lead to financial issues for teams, as seen with the Arizona franchise in the past. Overall, he highlighted the importance of addressing both injury prevention and the aesthetic appeal of starting pitching in baseball.