With tensions rising between MLB and the Players Association (MLBPA) as they negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), it is almost a given that Spring Training will be delayed and it appears increasingly likely the 2022 regular season will not start on time as well.
Along with the potential delays, teams have been unable to make any transactions related to their Major League roster so they have been mostly limited to making changes in the front office, to the coaching staff and signing Minor League players.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have remained busy as they have already signed multiple Minor Leaguers and made significant changes in their front office, which included the promotion of Brandon Gomes to general manager.
While the lockout has caused interruptions to MLB, it has been business as usual on the Minor League side with players already reporting to the Dodgers’ Spring Training complex to prepare for their season, Gomes said during an appearance on “Dodger Talk”:
“Yeah, everything is progressing as it normally would. We have a large group of players at Camelback Ranch — our Spring Training facility — that are working with the coaching staff that’s there. So they’re getting their workouts in, bullpens, hitting in the cage and on the field, defensive work.
“So everything on that front is a go, which is really exciting that these guys are out there taking advantage of the opportunity to use their resources. And we have a group of local Minor League players that are coming to Dodger Stadium and using the facilities here. It’s fun to watch and see these guys out on the field here getting their work in and knowing their season is around the corner.”
Unlike MLB players, MiLB players are not protected by the MLBPA unless they are on a club’s 40-man roster. Some Dodgers Minor Leaguers are still affected by the lockout, such as Eddys Leonard, James Outman and Michael Grove.
The Dodgers have added a few notable Minor Leaguers this offseason, including former top prospects Carson Fulmer and Jon Duplantier, both of whom were selected in the Rule 5 Draft.
Although both players are nothing more than fliers, they still have intriguing traits and pedigrees that make them interesting options L.A. can work with, so it is important they are able to meet with the coaching staff sooner rather than later.
Most recently, L.A. added former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Sam Gaviglio and re-signed Yefry Ramirez, who pitched in one game for the Dodgers last season.
Advocacy group calls on MLB to improve housing plan for Minor Leaguers
MLB outlined a plan last November that will provide more than 90% of Minor League players with furnished housing accommodations at each Major League club’s expense for the 2022 season.
After reviewing the details of the policy, Advocates for Minor Leaguers has determined that it falls short of expectations. In a statement, the advocacy group criticized MLB for not consulting with the players on the specifics of the plan.
Advocates for Minor Leaguers believes the policy “presents MLB teams the opportunity to cut costs rather than providing proper housing in any of three ways.”
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