Mounting frustration over what’s become a slow-moving MLB free agency has led to plenty of frustration between players and teams, and now that’s taken on another layer in the wake of comments made by Atlanta Braves executive vice president and general manager Alex Anthopoulos.
The Braves had just re-signed Tyler Flowers and Nick Markakis after declining team options on both players, and in explaining the decision while on a conference call, Anthopoulos revealed discussions were had with other teams.
“Every day you get more information,” he began. “And we’ve had time to connect with 27 of the clubs — obviously the Astros and (Nationals) being in the World Series, they were tied up — but we had a chance to get a sense of what the other clubs are going to look to do in free agency, who might be available in trades.”
That would appear to violate the collective bargaining agreement, which states, “Players shall not act in concert with other Players, and Clubs shall not act in concert with other Clubs.”
Anthopoulos’ remark has therefore resulted in the MLB Players Association launching an investigation as free agency is still in its infancy.
“The statements made by Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos call into question the integrity of the entire free-agent system,” MLBPA executive director Tony Clark said in a released statement. “The clear description of Club coordination is egregious, and we have launched an immediate investigation looking into the matter.”
In response to the investigation, Anthopoulos said, “In advance of the General Managers meetings, I called around to Clubs to explore the possibility of potential off-season trades. At no time during any of these calls was there discussion of individual free agents or the Braves’ intentions with respect to the free agent market.
“To the extent I indicated otherwise during my media availability on Monday, I misspoke and apologize for any confusion.”
A curtail in spending over recent years fueled whispers of collusion amongst teams. It’s a sentiment that increased when premier talents Bryce Harper, Dallas Keuchel, Craig Kimbrel and Manny Machado remained unsigned for several months after the 2018 season.
Harper and Machado eventually secured their respective long-term contracts, while Keuchel and Kimbrel both did not sign until the 2019 season began.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred pinned the slow progress toward agreements on players and their representatives. That drew the ire of Clark, who responded via statement in February, “Commissioner Manfred’s latest comments and his attempts to shift blame and distract from the main issues are unconstructive and misleading at best. Players’ eyes don’t deceive them, nor do fans.
“As Players report to spring training and see respected veterans and valued teammates on the sidelines, they are rightfully frustrated by a two-year attack on free agency. Players commit to compete every pitch of every at-bat, and every inning of every game. Yet we’re operating in an environment in which an increasing number of clubs appear to be making little effort to improve their rosters, compete for a championship or justify the price of a ticket.
“Players have made a sincere attempt to engage with clubs on their proposals to improve pace of play and enhance the game’s appeal to fans. At the same time, we have presented wide-ranging ideas that value substance over seconds and ensure the best Players are on the field every day. We believe these substantive changes are imperative now — not in 2022 or 2025, but in 2019.
“We look forward to continuing to engage with MLB on changes that address substantive issues — to the benefit of fans, Players, the 30 clubs and the game of baseball as a whole.”
Rising tension has the sport in a precarious position as the current collective bargaining agreement is due to expire after the 2021 season. Manfred recently expressed confidence MLB will manage to avoid a labor strike.
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