MLB Lockout: Lack of news concerning as we inch closer to Spring Training

In a normal year, spring training for Major League Baseball would be just a few months away. But with the current state of affairs between the owners and MLB Players Association, the next baseball season could be many moons away. 

MLB Lockout: Lack of news concerning as we inch closer to Spring Training

The reason for this is that the owners and players couldn’t come to an agreement before the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expired on December 2nd. With a transaction freeze in effect, one would think we’d hear something soon after the CBA expired. However, we haven’t heard a word from either side, and that is quite concerning that the first work stoppage in 26 years could last longer than anyone wants. 

If anything, the timetable needs to be sped up to account for all the moves that have yet to happen and the fact that Spring Training is on the horizon. After all, the first Spring Training games are slated to take place on February 26th. 

Luckily, there are some things that point to the possibility of the two sides coming to an agreement, so there can be a normal season. The most important one is the fact that this will be the first season since 2019 where ballparks can be at full capacity since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The amount of revenue lost would be beyond belief, which is why this is one thing that neither side wants. Then, there’s the fact that the networks will be entering the first years of 7-year agreements. Not having a season would be catastrophic when it comes to luring broadcasting partners. 

On top of that, this will have a major rippling effect on the game. Not having events like the MLB at Field of Dreams or the MLB Little League Classic will hurt the game in the long term. These games aren’t just spectacles in sports, but they also draw people outside of baseball into the game. 

But maybe the biggest reason the lockout will end is due to the fact that the most recent lockout back in 1994 was a bad look. If both sides care about their reputation and all those involved with the organizations, they’d learn to make the right decision for a baseball season. 

While I do still have more confidence that there will be a season, there are still reasons we should be warry. The first of those is that we haven’t heard a peep from either side almost a month out from when the lockout began. Also, the last lockout lasted a whole year. If the two sides can’t even meet sometime soon, this could become a very real possibility.

No matter what side you stand on in the matter, there is a life lesson that can be learned from this - compromising is something we all must do. Sharing is also an important thing we must do. Lastly, you don’t always get what you want. Here’s to hoping we get a baseball season in 2022!