Orioles HOFer Jim Palmer makes feelings known about massive MLB contracts for pitchers
Three-time MLB World Series champion and Baltimore Orioles Hall of Famer Jim Palmer was a legendary pitcher, winning three AL Cy Young Awards. Much has changed in the MLB since he played his last game in April 1965.
Contracts have become lucrative, especially for pitchers. Some of the biggest free agent starting pitchers signed this offseason include Blake Snell, who inked a five-year, $182 million deal with the LA Dodgers, while Max Freid signed with the Yankees on an eight-year, $218 million deal.
Palmer took to X (formerly Twitter), commenting on the financial risks associated with signing elite pitchers to massive contracts. He critiqued the high cost teams pay per start when pitchers miss significant time due to injuries.
"If you don’t think signing, betting on pitchers to be healthy, is risky..look at these numbers," Palmer tweeted.
"2024 numbers, Snell, 32 mil, 20 games, 1.6 mil per start;Gerrit Cole, 36 mil, 17 games, 2.1 mil per start, Verlander,43 mil,17 starts, 2.5 mil per start); Wheeler, 42 mil, 32 starts, 1.3 mil per start; Scherzer,43.3 mil, 9 starts, 4.7 mil per start; De Grom, 70 mil, 9 starts, 2023,24, 7,777,777 mil per start; or Corbin burnes, 2022,23,24, 32 mil , 37 wins, 330,000 a start, and just turned 30…and as Paul Harvey used to say , "good day”"
By quoting Paul Harvey’s famous sign-off, "Good day," Palmer hinted that the financial gamble on pitchers rarely pays off as expected.
MLB starting pitchers free agent market 2024 offseason: Who are signed and top remaining starting arms
This offseason, several prominent starting pitchers have signed deals, including Blake Snell (five years with the Dodgers), Max Fried (eight years with the Yankees) and Yusei Kikuchi (three years with the Angels), bolstering their respective teams' rotations. Other notable signings include Nathan Eovaldi (three years with the Rangers) and Shane Bieber (one year with the Guardians).
However, top MLB free agents like Corbin Burnes, a Cy Young winner, and Jack Flaherty, a high-upside option at 29, remain unsigned. Veteran arms like Justin Verlander and Charlie Morton are also still available, offering playoff experience and leadership for contenders.