Major League Baseball announced the start of Spring Training has officially been postponed through at least Saturday, March 5. The decision stems from no progress being made in collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations with the Players Association (MLBPA).
Several reports indicated Thursday’s meeting between the league and union only lasted a mere 15 minutes. Though, MLB deputy commissioner Dan Halem and MLBPA chief negotiator Bruce Meyer were said to have then held a one-on-one discussion.
The Players Association reportedly moved off their stance that everyone with at least two years of Major League service time be eligible for arbitration, but in turn raised their request for a pre-arbitration bonus pool from $100 million to $115 million.
MLB and the MLBPA are now expected to meet again on Monday. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the sides plan to hold multiple bargaining sessions every day until a new CBA is in place:
While exact plans are not finalized, MLB and the MLB Players Association intend to hold multiple bargaining sessions — perhaps every day — as early as Monday, sources told ESPN. Multiple owners and players expect to fly in for sessions leading up to MLB’s stated Feb. 28 deadline.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 18, 2022
With the first week of Spring Training games now lost due to the lockout, it is imperative that MLB and the Players Association get a new deal done as soon as possible to avoid the regular season being delayed as well.
In their meeting last week, MLB reportedly informed the MLBPA of a February 28 deadline to get a CBA in place, or Opening Day would be pushed back from March 31.
Kershaw receiving MLB lockout updates from Buehler
During a recent appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show,” Los Angeles Dodgers free agent Clayton Kershaw joked that he somewhat begrudgingly is having to receive MLB lockout updates from union representative Walker Buehler.
Kershaw’s comments of course were tongue-in-cheek, as he and Buehler have both raved about their friendship and time together as teammates.
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