FanGraphs | Sheryl Ring: Here’s a problem with The Opener that we don’t know how will it shake out: arbitration. If players are trying to hit arbitration records based on same-year comps, how do Openers and pitchers-after-Openers work? Ryne Stanek and Ryan Yarbrough have, collectively, an excellent starting pitcher stats, but only one has starts and only one has wins. By decoupling starts from wins, you’re devaluing their arbitration value at least until new comps are determined.
The Athletic | Eno Sarris ($): The idea of the core might be overrated, unsurprisingly. While three-year team winning percentage increases for one and two and three under-26 above-average hitters, they’re not necessarily needed. The Brewers only have Christian Yelich. The Astros only have Carlos Correa and Alex Bregman that fit that criteria. As we know, there are many ways to win over time.
The Ringer | Michael Baumann: I’d obviously prefer if Kyler Murray played baseball, but the economic argument for the NFL is clear. As a quarterback, he has a longer career length and payout than if he was either a different position, or as a baseball player.