Take Dellin Betances as Exhibit A with what is wrong with free agency for players.
Due to initially being groomed as a starter and Tommy John surgery, Betances’ first full major league season did not come until he was 26. From 26-30, Betances had five seasons among the majors’ best relievers, making four All-Star teams. He does right by the team, compiling 32 more innings than any other reliever in the majors in the span.
But his pay was limited by initially pre-arbitration and then arbitration. In 2017, Betances lost in an antiquated arbitration system that still values saves over across-the-board relief excellence, and there was a contentious aftermath with the organization.