By using fixed effects regression analysis and taking into account the likelihood that a player would not retire at the end of his contract, this statistically significant boost occurs. Players inclined to retire generally show a lower OPS during their contract year since the financial incentive to boost performance is absent, whereas healthy, relatively young players seek a lucrative free agent contract and generally boost their production to garner the contract.
By employing fixed effects regression analysis and considering the probability that a player would not retire at the end of their contract, this statistically substantial increase is observed. Players inclined to retire typically display lower OPS during their contract year since the financial motivation to enhance performance is absent, whereas healthy, relatively young players seek a lucrative free agent contract and generally boost their production to secure the contract.