After the 2021 season, the Detroit Tigers decided not to sign Matthew Boyd (who was expected to command a salary of $6.5M) due to injury.
So he didn’t pitch a lot in 2022 (13.1 innings in relief), but despite everything, this morning, the Tigers signed him to a $10 million contract for the next season – not to mention the potential performance bonus of one million dollars.
And all of this shows us that the market for launchers is strong.
Yes, Boyd is a good pitcher and his September in Seattle was very good. That said, when we analyze the situation, we realize that pitchers are a rare commodity in major league baseball right now.
But in fact, we knew it. The signing of the Tigers only demonstrates a trend.
While we’re talking nearly $40 million for Aaron Judge, two pitchers who are either old (Justin Verlander) or come with health uncertainty (Jacob deGrom) are tipped to bust that amount .
Carlos Rodon could get $35 million a year. Carlos Rodon.
This also applies to lifters. Edwin Diaz ($102 million over five years) broke records. Robert Suarez was offered $46 million… even though he is not (yet) a closer.
Are we talking about the $39 million for Tyler “a good season” Anderson? The $11.5 million annual salary (for three years) for reliever Rafael Montero?
$12 million a year for starter Mike Clevinger, whose last good year was when the Guardians had their old name?
I’m not saying that blubbering because seeing the players make money (instead of seeing the owners putting it in their pockets) is good for the guys.
But I’m still amazed at how much in demand pitchers are. Teams that want one are better off pulling out the checkbook… or going by transaction.
