Part 7/10:
The issue lies in the contractual and arbitration status of these pitchers. Many are approaching free agency or have only a year or two left before hitting the open market. Teams must be judicious—deciding which pitchers to extend and which to let go—to avoid dismantling the rotation entirely.
The risk is that reassembling such an elite group again, year after year, is exceedingly difficult; roster turnover is inevitable, especially given the financial constraints and market realities.
The Pitfalls of "Going All-In"
A prevalent strategy in sports is for teams to "go all-in"—spending heavily and risking significant future flexibility for a shot at current glory. While this approach can pay off, it comes with substantial risks.