MLB Lockout Update: Feb 9
Usually when spring starts to approach, so does the start of a new season of Major League Baseball. However, for the first time since 1994, the MLB is in the midst of a lockout.
The owner of the MLB, Rob Manfred initiated a lockout which will delay the start of spring training, and the start of the regular season. This lockout has sparked tensions between the players and Manfred.
Respected players like Max Scherzer, Marcus Stroman, Rich Hill, etc. have all spoken out on social media about the current situation. These players are clearly upset with the new era of baseball.
The current situation with the MLB is very unclear. As of now, there is a standstill among the owner and the players. Out of the four major sports in the United States, baseball is the only one without a salary cap.
This makes it possible for big market teams like the Yankees, Red Sox and the Dodgers to use more money on their roster than low market teams like the Diamondbacks, Mariners and the Twins.
For example, the Yankees' total team payroll was roughly 200,000,000 dollars. However, the Mariners' total team payroll was roughly 67,000,000 dollars. This example of payrolls is a major reason why the MLB is in this standstill situation.
It’s not fair that these low market teams lose some of their best young talents to big market teams because of the opportunities that come with signing with a big market team. Teams like the Yankees see the same thing yearly: high-paid stars all-around usually followed with a playoff run.
Meanwhile, teams like the Mariners have to play with small-name players with small contracts and usually end up missing the playoffs yearly. Obviously, a change is needed but Manfred has yet to act. Manfred has been very quiet, but recently in a press conference, he said that he was optimistic that the season would have no delay.
As Opening day looms around the corner, My prediction is that the MLB will not start on time. At this point, it is all up to Rob Manfred.
Manfred by all means does not have an easy job. It is very hard to keep everyone happy all the time and run a functional league.
With that being said, there is still no excuse to delay a season or miss any games over a money issue. Manfred has to start giving in more in order for baseball to come back. The problem is, Rob Manfred usually does not give in.
Max Savitt is a first-year student, majoring in journalism. To contact him, email mrs6929@psu.edu
