MLB Off-Season Faces Looming Lockout Threat
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With the collective bargaining agreement expiring Dec. 1, executives prepare for a two-act winter and potential work stoppage.
Major League Baseball is staring down a potentially transformative off-season as the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is set to expire on Dec. 1. According to Sportsnet, industry expectations point toward a work stoppage, with owners expected to lock out the players.
Despite the looming deadline, Toronto Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins told Sportsnet that teams are operating as "business as usual" for the start of the winter. The early stages of the calendar—including the opening of free agency and the issuance of qualifying offers—are expected to proceed normally. Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro noted that teams will likely focus on improving their rosters now and adjust to any new systems, such as a potential salary cap, later.
However, the threat of a lockout begins to complicate strategy as the calendar progresses. Sportsnet reports that the Nov. 17 deadline to protect Rule 5 eligible players may lead teams to protect fewer players to keep 40-man roster spots open, recalling a previous CBA expiration where the draft was canceled due to a lockout.
If a lockout occurs on Dec. 1, Sportsnet indicates the off-season will likely grind to a halt. This would result in the expected cancellation of the MLB Winter Meetings in San Diego (Dec. 7-9) and a delay of the Dec. 8 MLB Draft Lottery. Additionally, teams will be prohibited from contacting 40-man players, making pre-planned workout regimens essential for rosters.