In the ever-evolving world of baseball, the delicate balance between starter innings and bullpen management has become a crucial factor in a team's success. As the 2024 season unfolded, general managers from across the league shared their insights on the highs and lows of this complex equation, shedding light on the strategies and philosophies that guide their decision-making processes.

Unlocking the Secrets of Starter Innings and Postseason Berths

The 2024 season saw a wide range of approaches to starter innings, with some teams thriving on high-volume outings from their starters, while others found success with a more unconventional approach. The Seattle Mariners, who led the majors in starter innings, fell short of the playoffs, while the Detroit Tigers, with the fewest starter innings, reached the postseason. The Kansas City Royals, with the second-most starter innings, did make the playoffs, while the San Francisco Giants, with the second-lowest total, did not. The Milwaukee Brewers, on the other hand, reached the postseason despite having one of the lowest starter inning totals in the league, thanks in part to their outstanding bullpen performances.

Embracing the Endurance Approach: The Seattle Mariners' Perspective

Justin Hollander, the general manager of the Seattle Mariners, firmly believes that there is no such thing as too many starter innings. "We are very cognizant of pitcher health and of making sure we're putting them in positions to succeed," Hollander explained. The Mariners' strategy revolves around surrounding their starters with a strong bullpen, which allows the manager and pitching coaches to have the confidence to let the starters go as deep as they can. Hollander emphasized the importance of optimizing the performance of the team, rather than simply maximizing the number of innings from the starters.

Embracing the Unconventional: The Detroit Tigers' Nontraditional Pitching Strategy

Scott Harris, the general manager of the Detroit Tigers, acknowledged the team's low starter inning total of 753, which was partly due to a spate of injuries. However, Harris sees this as an opportunity to explore a more unconventional approach. "The philosophy behind that is, we felt like we could get better matchups without putting an extra strain on our bullpen," he said. The Tigers' strategy involved using a "reliever starting a game, then a starter-type pitching the bulk innings, and then relievers coming in at the end of a game." Harris believes this approach can be successful over a full season and potentially lead the team back to the playoffs.

Striking the Right Balance: The Kansas City Royals' Perspective

J.J. Picollo, the general manager of the Kansas City Royals, firmly believes in the value of starter innings. "Without question," he said, the Royals would like to see their 911 starter innings from the previous season replicated. Picollo emphasized the importance of managing contact and playing good defense, which aligns with the Royals' roster construction. He acknowledged that the "magic number" for starter innings has evolved over time, but the key is to have a versatile bullpen that can support the starters and provide stability throughout the season.

Navigating the Challenges: The San Francisco Giants' Approach

Buster Posey, the recently named general manager of the San Francisco Giants, acknowledged the complexity of determining the optimal number of starter innings. "That's a tough question to answer, to give you a specific number," he said. Posey believes that having starting pitchers who can go deeper into games is beneficial for a team's long-term success, but he also recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The Giants' 778 2/3 starter innings in 2024 were lower than the league average, and Posey is eager to revisit this topic and potentially find a more effective balance in the upcoming season.

Balancing Starter Innings and Bullpen Dominance: The Milwaukee Brewers' Strategy

Matt Arnold, the general manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, acknowledged the challenges of filling the necessary starter innings over the course of a season. The Brewers' 794 starter innings in 2024 were on the lower end, but they were able to compensate with an outstanding bullpen performance. Arnold emphasized the importance of having "all hands on deck" and a deep pool of pitching talent to draw from, including the return of key starters like Freddy Peralta and Brandon Woodruff. However, he also recognized the volatility of reliever performance and the need to continuously explore ways to reinforce the bullpen to effectively fill the innings not provided by the starters.The insights shared by these general managers highlight the multifaceted nature of managing starter innings and bullpen usage in the modern game of baseball. While some teams have found success with a high-volume starter approach, others have embraced more unconventional strategies, demonstrating the flexibility and adaptability required to navigate the ever-changing landscape of pitching. As the 2025 season approaches, these executives will undoubtedly continue to refine their strategies, seeking the optimal balance between starter innings and bullpen effectiveness to give their teams the best chance of postseason success.