Spring Training – A period of practice and exhibition games that precede the regular season, is not the usual this year. While there is room for optimism with teams practicing for championship glory, the underlying risks of injuries have taken over early. This time around it is the aces marred by uncertainty. 

What’s interesting is that despite the unpredictability of the scenario, the free agent market is slow-moving. Who knew that even with a leading list of injured pitches sidelined, teams would remain motionless with respect to unassigned players out there? Will the world see fewer of these pitchers in 2024? 

Spring Training Injuries at Play Early This Year – What to Expect This Regular Season?

Speaking of aces already out, some key names come up. Kyle Bradish of the Baltimore Orioles’ is suffering from a UCL sprain, likely derailing his season. This poses a red flag about his long-term health as well. The New York Mets’ Kodai Senga finds himself in a similar situation and is expected to miss the start of the season owing to a shoulder capsule strain. Shocked already? That’s not it. 

These are just two standout examples. That said, it is impossible not to highlight concerns swirling around Justin Verlander and J.P. France of the Houston Astros. Granted that their situations seem to be improving, but that does not negate a looming uncertainty. In the thick of this not-so-comfortable situation, how are scrambling teams going to get replacements?

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Well, teams with thin rotations are the ones in a fix right now given the potential impact on their playoff aspirations. The ripple effect of these injuries also affects the free-agent market for starting pitchers. But with more teams experiencing rotation holes due to unforeseen injuries, the demand for healthy arms could rise. Or so one would assume.  

Read More: Just Two Holes Left: Mets Roster Nearly Set Thanks to High-Priced Shopping Spree

In the Volatile Free Agent Market, Unassigned Pitchers Are in a Fix

Speaking of free agency, both Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, still unassigned, are in the midst of their markets shift. The ever-changing injury landscape and their own situations have played a part in this. As teams seem wary of long-term deals in a volatile market, Snell’s openness to a shorter contract with opt-outs on one hand might lure new suitors. On the other hand, Montgomery, still looking for a long-term deal, could see his options fizzle out if teams prioritize short-term solutions due to injuries.

Read More: New York Mets’ Kodai Senga Setback, Top Pitchers to Replace Japanese Ace as MLB Season Nears

Sure, it is still early to foresee the full impact of these injuries, but they serve as a strong reminder of the fragility of the upcoming season. While teams try to navigate a landscape laden with injuries, the chase for the championship could become even more unpredictable. Will this influence teams to look at the free agent market once more to pick their pitchers? Will these early setbacks derail championship dreams?