The scheduled start of the 2021 MLB season — and in particular Spring Training — is just around the corner, and the league and Players Association have still yet to agree on some crucial rules.
During the 2020 shortened season, MLB and the MLBPA were able to agree on a universal designated hitter and eventually an expanded postseason, which gave each side what they wanted.
While the new collective bargaining agreement will put rules in place permanently a year from now, it remains to be seen if those will be in place for the 2021 season.
According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the MBLPA recently rejected the league’s proposal for both the universal DH and expanded playoffs in 2021, so as of now, there will be neither:
MLB memo says union rejects deal for DH and expanded playoffs
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 25, 2021
There is still time until the start of Spring Training, so nothing is set in stone yet as there will be more negotiations to come.
The deal that was rejected would have also included a pitch clock and automated strike zone in Spring Training to test it out, so it remains to be seen if those are now out the window.
Considering teams still didn’t know if there will be a universal DH in 2021 or not has made it very difficult to construct rosters this offseason. Many free agents are waiting until there is an official decision before signing as the number of teams interested in them would change if there is a DH in the National League.
This could be the case for the Los Angeles Dodgers and their pursuit of Justin Turner, who is looking for more than two years in free agency but would be unlikely to get it from L.A. if there isn’t a DH in 2021.
Cactus League asked MLB to delay start of Spring Training
As if the negotiations between MLB and the MLBPA weren’t going poorly enough, it also still remains to be seen when the 2021 season will even start.
The Cactus League asked MLB to delay the start of Spring Training due to coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns in Arizona. It would have a domino effect on playing a full 162-game season if that happens, so it remains to be seen if that is something the league will consider.
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