Grounded Interests and Contract Dynamics

This chapter explores the simple yet meaningful hobbies of baseball players, such as gardening and groundskeeping, which provide them with joy outside their athletic careers. It shifts focus to the financial landscape of MLB contracts, particularly the rarity of pre-arbitration extensions for pitchers compared to position players, and discusses the evolving strategies teams employ in player contract negotiations. The chapter highlights the importance of maintaining team stability and the implications of recent contract extensions on player development and fan engagement.