Videos by OutKick
The MLBPA and ownership met Thursday, and according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, no deal got done. Still, the fact that we had a meeting shows both sides want some momentum, however it’s a long process that needs to get done before Spring Training comes around.
Let’s allow this situation to breathe despite how badly we want to see free agency underway…
Baseball labor update: There is no deal. There never was going to be one today. MLB made a proposal. The reaction among the players was not positive. Few on either side expected it to be. The question is how soon the MLBPA counters. Spring training starting on time is in peril.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 13, 2022
This is very important to understand: Bargaining is not linear. Sometimes it's big proposals. Others it's incremental. The union will counter — likely sooner than later.
This is a long process. Significant progress before March 1, when games are threatened, could be minimal.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 13, 2022
As Jeff Passan tweeted, bargaining can get tricky and there’s no real reason to panic until games are threatened. The MLBPA turned down their offer and that was expected because who takes an offer before a negotiation? We don’t buy houses that way, so let’s offer both sides some space to do the same.
Please get this done, though.
As a species, “sports commissioners” are about as popular as “jock itch”. Name ONE in the modern era that had a popularity rating in double figures?
Is it because every foam-fingered fan is certain he could and should have that job instead of WhatsHisName that has it … IF only Life was fair.
.