One of the scariest things in baseball is giving a huge contract to a pitcher. Unlike position players, an injury to a pitcher isn’t a matter of “if” but of a “when?” From the fittest of pitchers to the youngest of them, there’s always a risk of a breakdown. Now imagine giving a huge deal to pitchers that are over 30. That’s exactly what multiple teams did with aces like Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer. However, in 2024, all of them (including Gerrit Cole) have proved to be a gaping hole in their team’s financial books.

The first alarming sign came when the season began. All of those three, Jacob deGrom, and some other expensive pitchers found themselves on the injury list. Though fans wondered whether this was just a coincidence, there were some worries about big-time pitchers finally experiencing a physical downturn. And now, startling data by Codify makes one realize just how deep the effect goes.

According to the data, MLB’s 6 highest-paid starting pitchers will be making a huge $233 million this year. However, despite that enormous salary, as of now, they’ve given their teams a grand total of just 6 wins. That’s right! After more than 83 games, the likes of Gerrit Cole, Max Scherzer, and Justin Verlander haven’t even crossed double-digit wins collectively!

Scherzer (1-1) and Verlander (3-2) had started this season on an injury list. Though Verlander returned earlier and had more games, something was lacking in his performance. And then neck issues struck that once again sidelined him. Scherzer too hasn’t met his usual standards for the Texas Rangers. However, the surprising name is Gerrit Cole.

The New York Yankees’ ace and reigning Cy Young winner has been derailed because of his elbow issues. Though he has slowly regained some control, he remains a mere shadow of his former self. But the most interesting part isn’t him, it’s Scherzer – who has earned a tremendous amount of salary and has been injured this season.

Max Scherzer’s bonanza income highlights the risks of pitching contracts

Here’s an interesting development. While July 1 was being celebrated as Bobby Bonilla Day, Max Scherzer too was getting a huge payment. How huge exactly? The Washington Nationals paid him $15 million. However, that is not even close to what Scherzer will be earning this season. With this being his walk year, Scherzer is about to get a salary from three different teams.

According to Spotrac’s projections, the Rangers will be paying him $12.5 million and the Mets will pay $30.8 million. Add that up with the Nats’ $15 million, the total comes to over $50 million! And he will receive that while he has pitched just 10.1 innings this season.

That explains the inherent risk of offering giant contracts to a pitcher.

A pitcher’s job is so fragile that an elbow injury can end his season at any point. That’s the reason why teams have always been a little shy of splashing money on aces. But they couldn’t avert the risk. And now they’re stuck with a giant salary for a production that just isn’t there.