While free agency activity increased this week, the offseason otherwise has been another winter with slow movement. However, more of a focus at present time is the scheduled start of 2021 Spring Training next month.
MLB and the Players Association have long held both parties expected camps to open on time despite continued challenges brought about by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. But in a letter sent to MLB, the Cactus League requested that Spring Training be delayed for one month.
The reasoning cited public health and safety, and explained Maricopa County should be in stronger position come March. Although the request was made, a Cactus League representative soon after said they would be able to oblige should MLB decide to keep the original date.
More of an issue, however, is that MLB reportedly suggested to the Cactus League that they request the delayed start, per Alex Coffey of The Athletic
A representative for Major League Baseball encouraged members of the Cactus League to write a letter to commissioner Rob Manfred voicing a desire to delay the start of spring training, according to people with direct knowledge of a Jan. 13 meeting conducted via Zoom.
“Basically, the position that the league stated on the call was that they were open to delaying and that the players were not,” one source said. “And that a document like the letter may help push negotiations along and allow what you guys would like, which is a 30-day delay.”
“The representative was very direct,” another source added. “They believe it is time to push off spring training for a month, but they’re having problems with the players because a change would be necessary to the CBA for that to happen. He supported a letter to put pressure on players to push back spring training, a full month.”
“I felt it was made explicitly clear that the owners are supportive of this,” this source added. “And that they would like a delay of the season.”
Considering the level of mistrust that already exists between MLB and the MLBPA, this type of development won’t aid negotiations that still need to be had for the 2021 season. The union has already rejected a trade of the universal designated for an expanded postseason.
Dodgers needs before camp
Whether Spring Training opens next month or in March, the Dodgers still face a glaring need at third base. Justin Turner remains unsigned, but he reportedly is drawing interest from the Milwaukee Brewers and Toronto Blue Jays as well.
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