Day 3 of the MLB Lockout 2021
There has been no movement on Day 3 of the MLB lockout 2021, so let’s talk about what can and cannot happen during an MLB lockout.
MLB players can still be paid during a lockout. They are able to get any deferred salary payments they are entitled to along with signing bonuses that were negotiated previously, however, they are only due base salary during season and if there is no season then those payments would be affected.
The MLBPA can also send them financial assistance during the lockout. The players’ association has been creating a war chest for this potential lockout for around 5 years now. In 2018 the players voted to withhold all money they would receive from group licensing deals to build up a war chest.
The lockout doesn’t really affect the MiLB players, the players playing in the minor league affiliate teams of the MLB. If a player is on the 40-man roster aka MLBPA members, then they will be expected to refrain from playing for MiLB teams. However, other MiLB players are free to play as usual.
MLBPA members, however, are probably allowed to play in other leagues and even overseas as per previous professional sports precedents. They could play in leagues all over the world while the CBA is being negotiated. The MLBPA will fight against any rhetoric that indicates these players are not allowed to play in other leagues during the work stoppage. The MiLB season starts April 8th and if the lockout continues then we could see nationally broadcast minor-league games.
The players might enjoy the extra rest, but if these labor negotiations drag on without an agreement, then players might be physically affected by the lack of access to team facilities and rehab programs. Remember, that during a lockout players cannot be in contact with the team or league and are not allowed to access the facilities including trainers or physical therapists.
Some players might not have the access the get the proper rehab and treatment from injuries they might have sustained previously. This lack of access could be potentially detrimental to their recovery. Another potentially detrimental aspect of a lockout is the players being in charge of their own physical fitness and preparation for the potentially upcoming season. While some players might be disciplined enough to structure their own workouts, some players might be more motivated with coaches and staff they are familiar with for their workouts.
Back in 2018, the MLBPA opened a free agent training camp in Bradenton, Florida so that free agents would be able to stay in physical shape while unsigned. This is something the MLBPA could do during a lockout if necessary.
The MLBPA is the collective bargaining representative for all current Major League Baseball players. The Association also assists players with grievances and salary arbitration. The Association works closely with MLB in ensuring that the playing conditions for all games involving Major League players, whether the games are played in MLB stadiums or elsewhere, including internationally, meet proper safety guidelines. The Association also serves as the group licensing agent on behalf of the players.
While the MLBPA is ensuring the players are supported and protected, the MLB has a different stance on the lockout.
“People need pressure sometimes to get to an agreement,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a press conference on the Dec. 2nd, the first day of the lockout. “Candidly, we didn't feel that sense of pressure from the other side during the course of this week. The only tool available to you under the [National Labor Relations Act] is to apply economic leverage.”
The MLB also released a Letter to Fans on the first day of the lockout addressing their viewpoint on their need for the lockout.
This defensive lockout was necessary because the Players Association’s vision for Major League Baseball would threaten the ability of most teams to be competitive. It’s simply not a viable option. From the beginning, the MLBPA has been unwilling to move from their starting position, compromise, or collaborate on solutions.
The league and the union have completely disparate viewpoints on how this situation arose and is transpiring. The MLB website shows bland photos and content devoid of any mention of players or the season. The MLBPA website doesn’t even refer to the league, instead using XX(B) as the moniker for the MLB.
This situation is evolving day by day, but we have no timeline from either side about when a deal might be struck. It seems like this lockout will be going on for some time and might affect the 2022 season.