Marshawn Lynch signing with the Seahawks to play the final game of the regular season, then the playoffs, makes me wonder whether this would be a good career strategy for some baseball pitchers.
Skip the regular season, stay in shape, throw bullpens, etc. then sign as a free agent, at a premium, with a contender in September. This would probably only work for proven pitchers.
Greatly reduced injury risk, an extended career, and contracts with a “playoff premium” might balance out any lost full-time earnings. Big lifestyle upside for the player. And it’d be no less efficient for teams that already “rent” players for home-stretch races and playoffs.
Skip the regular season, stay in shape, throw bullpens, etc. then sign as a free agent, at a premium, with a contender in September. This would probably only work for proven pitchers.
Greatly reduced injury risk, an extended career, and contracts with a “playoff premium” might balance out any lost full-time earnings. Big lifestyle upside for the player. And it’d be no less efficient for teams that already “rent” players for home-stretch races and playoffs.