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For the second time in three years, the MLB season will not start on time.
On Monday, the MLBPA and MLB failed to reach a new collective-bargaining agreement. Following the failed talks, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announced the cancelation of the first two series of the season.
MLB’s final CBA proposal before its 5 p.m. deadline was unanimously rejected by the MLBPA, leading to MLB to postpone the upcoming season.
Update: MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announced he will cancel regular-season games. https://t.co/ntNWhi8Tgf
— ESPN (@espn) March 1, 2022
Manfred’s explanation
As far as renegotiating goes, Manfred explained that MLB is open to the idea of going back to the drawing board and renegotiating. However, there is not a specific schedule to begin renegotiations and no players will receive compensation for the canceled games.
“Our position is that games that are not played, players will not get paid for,” Manfred said.
“The concerns of our fans are at the very top of our consideration list.” — Rob Manfred, on the day MLB canceled regular-season games, during a league-initiated lockout
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 1, 2022
As far as the proposal is concerned, Manfred described the offer as “our best offer.” The offer included a variety of topics from the draft to player incentives.
Specifically, Manfred said the offer included the elimination of draft compensation and the addition of a draft lottery. Furthermore, the offer included incentives and offers for young top prospects including the rookie of the years.
“For the first time ever, we agreed to an incentive system to encourage clubs to promote top prospects on Opening Day,” Manfred said.
MLB also proposed the first and second place finishers for Rookie of the Year in both leagues would receive a full year of service.
With the cancelation of the first two series, the earliest date for a potential Opening Day would be April 8.
MLB season with a new CBA
ESPN MLB writer Jesse Rogers said believes that it won’t take long for a new deal to be in place and said renegotiations could start in a few days.
Additionally, Rogers said the future of the sport depends on the length of the lockout, saying a month-long lockout will cause damage for the league.
On the other hand, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan said it’s unclear when renegotiations could begin.
Players react
Following Manfred’s statement, a plethora of players took to social media to express their displeasure with the news.
First, the MLBPA released a statement calling the lockout a “culmination of a decades-long attempt by owners to break our Player fraternity.”
Statement from the Major League Baseball Players Association: pic.twitter.com/rmpciPsQm4
— MLBPA Communications (@MLBPA_News) March 1, 2022
Mets’ pitcher Marcus Stroman voiced his negative opinion going as far as calling Manfred “Manclown” in a series of tweets.
Manclown.* https://t.co/ciLVEylXvF
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) March 1, 2022
Additionally, Cincinatti Reds’ outfielder and former Florida Gator Jonathan India kept his reaction to the cancelation short. India won the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year in November.
— Jonathan India (@JonathanIndia) March 1, 2022
Cubs’ outfielder Clint Frazier found humor in the situation.
i think it might be time to apply for that mcdonald's job everybody said i'd be working
— Clint Frazier (@clintfrazier) March 1, 2022
Finally, free agent first baseman Anthony Rizzo left a message for the fans and younger generation of baseball players. Rizzo most recently played for the New York Yankees after being traded midseason from the Cubs.
To the fans we will miss you most. To the younger generation of baseball players, this is for you.
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) March 1, 2022
Historic lockout
This is the first work-stoppage since the 1994 strike that lasted over seven months. Additionally, this is the first lockout in over 30 years.
“We’re left with one of the darkest days in baseball history,” Passan said.
