It has been three months since MLB team owners unanimously voted to impose a lockout after the 2017-21 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) expired, ending 27 consecutive years of labor peace.
A quick resolution wasn’t expected given the animosity that had built up between the league and Players Association (MLBPA) over the years, and that proved true as six weeks passed before the first proposal was made by either side.
After a handful of discussions once the calendar turned to 2021, MLB and the MLBPA began to meet more regularly the following month. While that was reason for optimism, a significant gap remained on key economic issues such as the competitive balance tax, pre-arbitration bonus pool and minimum salary.
Lack of progress prompted MLB commissioner Rob Manfred to cancel the first two weeks of Spring Training games. The league eventually imposed a February 28 deadline for a new CBA to be in place, or it would push back Opening Day and not reschedule canceled regular season games.
MLB and the MLBPA then met for nine consecutive days at Roger Dean Stadium in effort to get a deal done. Enough progress was made that the league moved its self-imposed deadline to Tuesday, but the union rejected MLB’s final offer before the deadline.
It resulted in Manfred canceling Opening Day and the first two series of the regular season. The sides have since left Florida and the earliest they will be able to resume negotiations for a new CBA is Thursday.
Lockout timeline
Dec. 2, 2021: MLB lockout begins after 2017-21 CBA expires
Jan. 13: MLB makes first CBA proposal to MLBPA
Jan. 24-25: MLB and MLBPA meet on consecutive days to discuss core economics. Both sides make concessions, but little to no progress on new CBA
Feb. 3: MLB requests involvement for federal mediator to help CBA negotiations, which is rejected by MLBPA
Feb. 10: Manfred holds first press conference since the lockout began, expressing hope a new CBA will be in place before the regular season is threatened
Feb. 18: MLB announces start of 2022 Spring Training is delayed
Feb. 21: MLB and MLBPA meet for first of nine consecutive days at Roger Dean Stadium
Feb. 25: Manfred attends CBA negotiations in person, announces sides are in agreement on MLB Draft lottery
Feb. 28: MLB pushes back deadline for new CBA to March 1 after progress is made
March 1: MLBPA rejects MLB’s “best and final” offer, resulting in first two series of regular season being canceled
March 3: MLB deputy commissioner Dan Halem and MLBPA lead negotiator Bruce Meyer hold informal meeting in New York
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