David Price has just inked the most expensive pitcher contract in the history of the MLB. With his and Jordan Zimmermann both hitting the top 50 contracts of ALL – Time in the last week, it has pushed Homer Bailey out of the top 50 deals of all time for chuckers. Right now, there is no one that has had the Tommy John Surgery while having a contract as a pitcher in the top 50. Expect that to change. Which poses the question – are pitchers really worth 9 figure deals?

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David Price just inked the richest deal in MLB history with the Boston Red Sox at 7 YRs/$217 MIL.  It is also the 8th richest contract ever doled out.

The question is whether or not it is a worthy investment to put that much dough on the table for a guy that will progressively decline as the deal goes on.

If you follow our Tommy John Surgery Tracker, you will find that 30 or so pitchers are having their names added to the list.  Last season, the first 9 figured player – and top 50 salaried player had their arm go under a TJ Surgery in Home Bailey.

The time is coming again when an even higher profile pitcher will have to go down with it while his name is on a pact for a huge 9 figure salary.

it is the main reason why some clubs just can’t afford the risk.  Boston has the funds to do this, and this clearly was the prudent move for the franchise to do after losing out on Jon Lester last season.

Most of the Starting Pitchers have not seen better years with their names on this list like Justin Verlander, Felix Hernandez, Matt Cain, Barry Zito, Cole Hamels, CC Sabathia and Mike Hampton. Read the rest of this entry →