How do you explain that in many cases players put up huge numbers in their contract year?

Question

It happens often. When a player is finishing the last year of their contract and are about to become free agents, they'll invariably have a great season. This works in their favor because GMs and owners are looking at current trends to decide whether or not to throw big money at a player.

Answer 1

thats exactly why they do. they are show casing themselves for other GMs. it gives them a chance at more money.

Answer 2

They do their best so other GM will see them and sign them for more money.

Answer 3

Eaxctly. Many players put up huge numbers for one season, get a great contract for it, and dont produce such numbers thereafter. I blame management/within the organization for continuously giving such ridiculous sized contracts to such players who post big numbers for one season. That player could not do a thing for  his team, let alone himself, and sit back mighty handsomely.

Answer 4

b/c they actually give their best effort and train the previous offseason and perform to their best potential.  they have gotten spoiled behind the union.  they shoul all play for one year contracts like they used to, back in the "golden age", and baseball would be better for it

Answer 5

Well, there is a payoff in the end. It is kind of like staying in the office late to get your work done.

Athletes do well in their contract year because they will go the extra mile to be better. It might be a better excercise routine with specialized trainers, getting coaches/trainers to help them focus on correcting weakness they have, etc....