Talkin' Baseball (MLB Podcast) Pitchers Free Agency Preview & Predictions
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Nov 10, 2025 Jake and Trevor dive into the thrilling world of pitchers free agency. They debate the top contenders like Framber Valdez and Dylan Cease while dissecting the impact of metrics. The duo explores how teams adapt pitchers' styles and the balance between durability and upside. A standout discussion centers on Japanese import Tatsuya Imai's potential. Shane Bieber's surprising contract decision and notable mid-tier starters also spark debate. Finally, they analyze the bullpen market, pinpointing which teams urgently need a closer.
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Teams Can Reshape A Pitcher's Arsenal
- Pitching 'labs' and organizational tinkering can change a pitcher's approach after signing.
- Team development and arm angle limit how much organizations can rewrite a pitcher's repertoire.
Durability Trumps ERA In Starter Valuation
- Durability and strikeout ability drive free-agent starter value more than ERA.
- Teams prefer pitchers who reliably eat innings and miss bats when deciding big contracts.
Shorter, Higher AAV Deals Are Trending
- Teams increasingly favor shorter term, higher AAV deals for starters.
- Five years looks like a practical max, with many clubs preferring three-year high-AAV structures.