Baseball is back after 90-day lockout
Baseball fans were disillusioned and local businesses counting on revenue generated by the spring training teams playing in their towns and cities were saddened when players and owners spent the last three months failing to come to an agreement in their 2022 contract negotiations. As of early yesterday, spring training was still shut down, and the first few weeks of the regular season had already been pushed back with many games cancelled.
Also yesterday, it was announced that the MLB Lockout had ended and both sides agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA.)
All players will be reporting for spring training by this Sunday, with exhibition games to begin soon afterwards. Opening day for the regular season is scheduled for April 7, only one week later then the date originally scheduled. And, all 162 games be played – following an earlier announcement that the first few weeks’ worth of games of the regular season would be scrapped.
Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. issued the following statement yesterday:
“In a last-ditch effort to preserve a 162-game season, this week we have made good-faith proposals that address the specific concerns voiced by the MLBPA and would have allowed the players to return to the field immediately. The Clubs went to extraordinary lengths to meet the substantial demands of the MLBPA. On the key economic issues that have posed stumbling blocks, the Clubs proposed ways to bridge gaps to preserve a full schedule. Regrettably, after our second late-night bargaining session in a week, we remain without a deal.
“Because of the logistical realities of the calendar, another two series are being removed from the schedule, meaning that Opening Day is postponed until April 14th. We worked hard to reach an agreement and offered a fair deal with significant improvements for the players and our fans. I am saddened by this situation’s continued impact on our game and all those who are a part of it, especially our loyal fans.
“We have the utmost respect for our players and hope they will ultimately choose to accept the fair agreement they have been offered.”
In addition to the welcome news that Opening Day is now April 7 and the original full 162-game schedule will be played, ESPN itemized the other takeaways from the new agreement:
- Spring training camps open with a March 11 voluntary report date and March 13 mandatory date
- Spring training games start March 17
- Free agency to begin immediately once CBA is ratified
- Playoffs expand to 12 teams, beginning this season
- The National League adopts the designated hitter starting this season [pitchers will no longer hit]
- CBT expected to begin at $230 million and grow to $244 million
For more on this very contentious lockout, see the video accompanying this article.
~ Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter
