Turning down pitching 1 more out for $500,000

[edro]

He paid ~$250k (post taxes) to have keep his record.

 

[stlc8tr]

how many pitchers have been injured this year? And, Hughes is having a stellar year, for him, at least. He isn't going to risk injury and hope he can return to even close to that form next season, with time left on his contract. Him coming in has little chance of actually accomplishing anything and doesn't help the team win. It is only a risk.

So how many pitchers have been injured this year? And how many innings have been pitched?

I'd be curious to see what the risks are for pitching 1/3 of an inning.

 

[smackababy]

So how many pitchers have been injured this year? And how many innings have been pitched?

I'd be curious to see what the risks are for pitching 1/3 of an inning.

Infinitely greater than the risk of picking 0/3 of an inning.

 

[andylawcc]

...... that's like saying, why don't you stay home so your won't get captured and beheaded by ISIS

 

[smackababy]

...... that's like saying, why don't you stay home so your won't get captured and beheaded by ISIS

If I lived in Afghanistan, that would be apt.

He pitched soon enough ago that he isn't up again in the pitching rotation. The rotation exists to minimize injuries sustained in games. Circumventing said practices, in order to get an extra $500k that won't do anything except make him more money, is a risk. He sees this and has stated as such. Injuring himself due to lack of recovery could end up cutting his career a year short, if not more costing him far more than $500k in the long run.

It is little reward, for risk greater than close to zero. I know it seems like a lot of reward, because you're not making that much money, but it is very little. If he is paid $8 million a year the next two seasons, that is 1/32 of what he stands to make. For him, it makes little sense to add that additional risk for the chance of losing far more money.

 

[Miramonti]

But $500K is still $500K. If I needed to do some inane quick task to make another $100, why the hell not?

He's made $8.5m already from the organization and is very grateful to have his contract. It's a great gesture to the organization and shows character, whether it is rewarded later or not. I think it's relevant that he's not giving back $500k, just not reaching for another $500k.

One could say another way to approach it is to pitch the out/inning, and give the $500k to charity. However that would cost him out of pocket, as he may only see 50% of that $500k after agent commission and taxes, etc., and a $500k donation would leave him with less than if he hadn't pitched.

Either case, it's a classy move towards the organization, and the end doesn't justify the means, either way.

 

[stlc8tr]

He pitched soon enough ago that he isn't up again in the pitching rotation. The rotation exists to minimize injuries sustained in games. Circumventing said practices, in order to get an extra $500k that won't do anything except make him more money, is a risk. He sees this and has stated as such. Injuring himself due to lack of recovery could end up cutting his career a year short, if not more costing him far more than $500k in the long run.

He pitched on the 24th. Starting pitchers typically have a throwing session in-between starts so it's not like they don't throw after 2-3 days rest. He would be pitching a 1/3 of an inning in a low leverage situation.

The injury risk is not zero but it's pretty darn close.

Plus if he did what I said, he would be hailed a hero for donating the proceeds to charity. Hopefully the Twins will do the right thing now and donate it for him.

 

[stlc8tr]

One could say another way to approach it is to pitch the out/inning, and give the $500k to charity. However that would cost him out of pocket, as he may only see 50% of that $500k after agent commission and taxes, etc., and a $500k donation would leave him with less than if he hadn't pitched.

Aren't donations tax-deductible?

 

[Miramonti]

Aren't donations tax-deductible?

Sure, but you take a hit paying the accountant extra to itemize it.

 

[stlc8tr]

Sure, but you take a hit paying the accountant extra to itemize it.

I'm pretty sure Hughes already itemizes.

Pro player tax returns are pretty already complex since they have to file for each city/state that they've visited/played-in.

 

[twinrider1]

Also, baseball players are a superstitious bunch. Maybe he figures he's had a great year and doesn't want to tempt the fates for the extra cash. And yes, it's easier to be gracious when you already have $8.5MM in the bank for the year.
He seems like a genuinely nice guy, so I don't think this was his motive, but he'll probably make up the money with increased endorsements due to this good PR.

 

[SP33Demon]

Dat record. He's had a helluva season and only Trout and his loser team are keeping him away from the MVP.

 

[MongGrel]

You really don't think the team is going to write him the check for $500k anyway? He's obviously making his decision based on what's best for the team. I'd be shocked if he didn't get the bonus anyway.

It's definitely a character move. Whether you made 50k or 50M this season, it takes some level of financial indifference to walk away from another half a million. The marginal benefit of him getting one more out is basically college for 2 of his kids, or two of someone else's kids if he wants to donate it. I'm sure the Twins will quietly write him a check, or if he's game for it, make it a PR move and let him donate it somewhere.

I'm not criticizing Hughes, either. I'm not sure there are many people in any business that would leave it on the table.

this.

 

[MongGrel]

He's made $8.5m already from the organization and is very grateful to have his contract. It's a great gesture to the organization and shows character, whether it is rewarded later or not. I think it's relevant that he's not giving back $500k, just not reaching for another $500k.

One could say another way to approach it is to pitch the out/inning, and give the $500k to charity. However that would cost him out of pocket, as he may only see 50% of that $500k after agent commission and taxes, etc., and a $500k donation would leave him with less than if he hadn't pitched.

Either case, it's a classy move towards the organization, and the end doesn't justify the means, either way.

And this.

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[xaeniac]

it would be hard for me to turn down 500k extra regardless.