It's only been the last 5-6 years that baseball has really looked objectively at "what contributes to a win". Most front offices now use that information, but

It's only been the last 5-6 years that baseball has really looked objectively at "what contributes to a win". Most front offices now use that information, but as of 6-7 years ago, it was not at all clear. Teams pay salaries based on market price, not what actually contributes to wins. In an efficient market, these correlate, but sports contracts are by no means efficient. The Padres' handed $144 million last winter to Eric Hosmer, who never projected to be much above average. There's still a ways to go.