For over a century, the identity of baseball was intertwined with its starting pitchers. The names Tom Seaver, Steve Carlton, Sandy Koufax, Bob Gibson, Pedro Martinez, and Randy Johnson could electrify any fan. They were not just part of the game; they were the game.
These pitchers commanded the mound from the first pitch to the last, embodying the very essence of baseball. However, this era of starting pitcher dominance is fading, replaced by an alarming trend that could spell trouble for the sport.
Injuries and Changing Roles
In 2024, out of the ten active major-league starting pitchers who have won a Cy Young Award, nine have spent time on the injured list. Only Baltimore’s Corbin Burnes has remained injury-free. This alarming statistic is more than a series of unfortunate events; it reflects a broader crisis in baseball. The health and role of starting pitchers are intertwined, and both are in jeopardy.
A recent game between the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs exemplifies this crisis. Yu Darvish and Justin Steele, both star pitchers, delivered a goosebump-worthy performance for five innings before being replaced by seven relievers who took over the rest of the game. This has become the norm rather than the exception.
Should MLB Act?
Should MLB allow starting pitchers to fade into obscurity, or should it intervene? The introduction of a pitch clock last year was a bold step, demonstrating MLB’s willingness to tackle existential issues. But the plight of the starting pitcher is equally dire.

As Texas Rangers ace Max Scherzer aptly puts it, “You’ve got to get the starting pitcher back. From an entertainment standpoint, people watch the matchups. That’s a big part of baseball. If you don’t have that matchup, every day is the same.”
Proposed Solutions
Six-Inning Minimum Rule
One proposed solution is requiring every starter to pitch at least six innings, barring injury or extreme circumstances. While this might seem draconian, it aims to restore the prominence of starting pitchers. However, implementing such a rule would be fraught with challenges, including potential pushback from players and front offices.
The Double Hook
Another intriguing idea is the “Double Hook” rule, where a team loses its designated hitter if the starting pitcher is removed before the fifth inning. This rule incentivizes keeping starters in the game longer, balancing strategic decisions with maintaining offensive power.
Roster Limits
Reducing the number of pitchers on a team’s roster is another potential solution. With fewer relievers available, teams would need to rely more on their starters, potentially leading to longer outings. This change, however, would require a cultural shift in how teams manage their pitching staff.
Banning High-Stress Pitches
In a more radical move, MLB could consider banning pitches deemed hazardous to pitchers’ health, like the sweeper. While controversial, this measure aims to reduce injuries by eliminating pitches that place undue stress on the arm.
A Call for Action
MLB faces a critical decision: whether to intervene to preserve the role of the starting pitcher or continue down the current path. The existential crisis described by industry insiders calls for decisive action. Implementing changes like the six-inning minimum rule, the Double Hook, roster limits, or banning high-stress pitches could help restore the prominence of starting pitchers and ensure the sport’s future health.
Baseball must evolve to address these challenges, much like it did with the pitch clock. The sport’s leaders need to recognize the warning signs and act to preserve the magic of the starting pitcher, which has been a cornerstone of baseball’s appeal for generations.