While the hot stove hasn’t quite heated up yet, plenty of drama has already unfolded for Major League Baseball this offseason. The Houston Astros are at the forefront of it all amid claims they electronically stole signs from opponents at Minute Maid Park during the 2017 season.
What’s more, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has already started talks with the MLB Players’ Association in regards to working out a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. The current CBA is set to expire at the conclusion of the 2021 season, but tensions between both parties have called for earlier than usual negotiations.
Among the many issues that MLBPA has taken exception to in recent seasons include stagnant free-agent markets, qualifying offers and the luxury tax threshold.
With both sides hoping to hammer out a new CBA as soon as possible, Manfred has reportedly shown an unwillingness to flex his financial muscle to appease the MLBPA’s demands, via Craig Calcaterra of NBC Sports:
Multiple sources briefed about what occurred in those talks told NBC Sports today that Manfred took an aggressive posture, telling the union that there is “not going to be a deal where we pay you in economics to get labor peace.” Manfred also told union representatives that, “maybe Marvin Miller’s financial system doesn’t work anymore.”
To this point, Manfred and MLB additionally have been unwilling to compromise with the MLBPA on the numerous concerns they have raised:
Those briefed on Manfred’s comments tell NBC Sports that the impression left by them was that the league plans to take a hard line with the union and is unwilling to make any concessions on the numerous pocketbook issues about which the players are concerned, including tanking, the glacial pace of the free agent market, the Competitive Balance Tax, and qualifying offers.
While talks between the MLB and MLBPA appear to be at a stalemate, Manfred nevertheless expressed his confidence that the sport can avoid another work stoppage.
Among other goals Manfred hopes to achieve this offseason include the implementation of opioid testing for all 30 teams. This could potentially come into effect shortly after the new year.
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