There is a lot of buzz in the baseball world surrounding the use of “listed pitcher options” and what they mean for bettors. Basically, these are contracts that pitchers have with teams that dictate how much they are worth on the open market. For example, Matt Harvey may have a $5 million listed pitcher option with the New York Mets.
If Harvey pitches well enough in 2017, the Mets could decline his option and he would become a free agent. If Harvey doesn’t pitch well in 2017, the Mets could exercise his option and he would remain under contract with them.
The main reason listed pitcher options are so important is because they can prevent teams from losing their top pitchers to free agency. For example, if Harvey’s option is declined and he signs with a different team, the new team would be responsible for his entire $5 million salary for 2017.
This can be a major hindrance to teams who are trying to improve their rosters.
Listed pitcher options also play a role in negotiations between teams and their pitchers. For example, if Harvey wants more money than the Mets are prepared to offer, he may hold out until his listed pitcher option is exercised or until he signs a long-term contract.
If Harvey doesn’t have a listed pitcher option, he would be more likely to sign a long-term contract with the Mets because it would make him an expensive acquisition for any team who wanted to acquire him.
The use of listed pitcher options has increased significantly over the past few years because teams want more control over their top players. Bettors should keep this information in mind when handicapping games and making bets on players.
