As the fourth lockout in MLB history continues, all clubs are not allowed to communicate with players or make any Major League roster transactions.
MLB also removed the images of active players from their official website as they are not allowed to promote them during the down period, which also means they cannot sell player jerseys or merchandise.
However, the Los Angeles Dodgers still can continue parts of their offseason.
Minor league players, or anyone who was not on a 40-man roster to finish the 2021 season, are not protected as part of the Players Association, so they are exempt from lockout rules.
This means the Dodgers are free to sign Minor League free agents and make trades involving them. That is also why the Minor League portion of the Rule 5 Draft went on as scheduled, which led to the Dodgers adding three new players and losing two.
Clubs are also permitted to hire or fire coaches, scouts and front office personnel as they are not part of the MLBPA as well. Thus, the New York Mets were permitted to interview Dodgers bench coach Bob Geren, first base coach Clayton McCullough and other candidates for for their managerial opening.
That also means the Dodgers are free to negotiate a contract extension with manager Dave Roberts. Dodgers president of operations Andrew Friedman suggested he expected those conversations to take place during this offseason anyhow.
The Dodgers are also free to host events at Dodger Stadium, such as their holiday festival and even inviting TikTok sensation Toby to the ballpark.
Although players are not allowed to use team facilities, there is one exception in players who were injured and rehabbing prior to the lockout.
This allows Dustin May, Caleb Ferguson, Tommy Kahnle and Edwin Rios to continue their rehab before the season begins.
While they are not allowed to negotiate with free agents, L.A. would be wise to make multiple plans for their roster. Once the lockout ends there will likely be a flurry of signings in free agency and trades as teams rush to set their rosters for the new season.
MLB lockout likely to carry into 2022
It has been two weeks since the MLB lockout began and it doesn’t appear any progress on a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) will come soon.
After the lockout began, MLB issued a combative statement blaming the union. The MLBPA countered by calling the lockout a “drastic and unnecessary measure.”
The two sides will continue to work out a new deal,but progress isn’t expected to be made until less than a month before 2022 Spring Training.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
