It has been nearly 100 days since Major League Baseball owners locked out its players, but the hard fought battle that was filled with many strikeout and few hits is finally over and play will soon resume.
Originally set to open on March 31st, the new opening date for MLB is April 7.
Owners voted unanimously (30-0) to approve the five year deal and have offically lifted the 99 day lockout.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred spoke on the ending of the lock out saying, “I am genuinely thrilled to say Major League Baseball is back and we’re going to play 162 games. I want to start by apologizing to our fans. I know the last few months have been difficult.”
Manfred added, “I love our game. Having said that, since I’ve been commissioner, I’ve talked about the need to make changes in some of our rules to enhance the entertainment value of our product for the benefit of our fans. And I think the new agreement opens up an opportunity that we can work with the players to make sure that we can make good rule changes that work for our fans.”
Preserving the entire season was a big sticking point during the negotiations – one the players fought hard to achieve, but the owners were willing to have less than a full season played.
The lock out not only prevented players from access to the facilities; it also prevented the more than 100 free agents from working on or signing contracts. Those dealings can now move forward as the players prepare to report for spring training. Training camps open on Friday with player reporting no later than Sunday. The players will have only a few days to get themselves ready for play with spring training games beginning on March 17 or 18. The original reporting date was February 16 for pitchers and catchers with the rest of the players reporting two weeks later.
During the lockout, many of the players have found other places – like college campuses, etc – to gather and work out in preparation for the season (whenever it would begin).
With all the international players in the major leagues, there may be some delays due to visa issues or possible Covid protocols.
Originally Commissioner Manfred announced that due to the lock out, games were being cancelled; those games will now be rescheduled with some being a part of doubleheaders and the regular season has been extended until October 5. With the expansion of post season play, the MLB season will run into November. Due to the lockout, 184 games had been postponed and will now be made up during the season.
Postseason play has been expanded by two teams from 10 to 12. Division leaders will earn a bye for round one with the remaining teams playing in a best of three series.
The lock out only applied to the major league players; therefore, the minor league players have already reported to camp; as well as, much of the equipment needed to play.
There were a number of issues on the table, but as with many things, money was the biggest issue – the players wanted more and the owners wanted to keep it.
So, what did they agree on???
The compensation round for the loss of a free agent player has been eliminated but could be replaced with an international amateur draft. A new “pool” has been established for the top six prospects with only non-playoff teams allowed. The draft has also been reduced from 40 rounds to 20.
A new bonus pool of $50 million is being established for players who are not yet eligible for arbitration.
Top prospects who also finish in the top two positions in the Rookkie of the Year vote and did not play for a full season in the “big leagues” may receive credit for a year of play.
A complicated system is in place that while not listed as a salary cap, does penalize teams that spend an excess on players. The Luxury Tax will be increasing $20 million to $230 for the 2022 season; with further increases over the next five years.
Non top notch players will see an increase in their minimum salary from $570,000 to $700,000 for 2022. It will increase $20,000 a year over the life of the new contract. Minor league players will also see an increase in the minimum salary from $93,000 to $114,000 with an additional $3,000 for the next four years.
Minor league players signing their first contact will see a minimum raise from $46,000 to $57,000 with small increases over the next four years.
During the Covid shortened season, the MLB toyed with the universal designated hitter; the DH will now be a part of both the American and National Legaues going forward.
New this year, the players will be allowed to display advertising on their uniforms and helmets.
Teams may option a player only five times in any given season before he must be passed through waivers.
Experimenting in previous seasons with a “pitch clock”, pitchers now have only 14 seconds to throw a ball if the bases are empty and 19 seconds if there are any runners on the bases.
Defensive shifts has been very popular among clubs in recent years; those shifts will now be limited
Fans may notice a difference on the field when watching a game – MLB could be using larger bases.
And while baseball has been experimenting with the robot umpire in the lower levels, human umpires will still be calling the balls strikes, and outs on the field.