What had long looked apparent was made official late last week when MLB announced the first week of Spring Training games were canceled.
The decision stemmed from the league and Players Association (MLBPA) not yet being able to come to terms on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). “All 30 clubs are unified in their strong desire to bring players back to the field and fans back to the stands,” MLB said in their statement.
As it currently stands, the Los Angeles Dodgers would not play their first 2022 Spring Training game until a split doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox and Texas Rangers on March 5.
With Spring Training games not beginning until at least one week later than originally scheduled, the union was critical of MLB deciding to take action.
“MLB announced today that it ’must’ postpone the start of spring training games,” the MLBPA said in a statement. “This is false. Nothing requires the league to delay the start of spring training, much like nothing required the league’s decision to implement the lockout in the first place.
“Despite these decisions by the league, Players remain committed to the negotiating process.”
The working relationship between MLB and the MLBPA has been strained over recent years, and failed negotiations on various matters for what ended up being a shortened 2020 season further raised the tension.
Previously, MLB reportedly threatened the union by saying they would be willing to cancel regular season games as well if the players were unwilling to drop more of their requests.
A soft deadline for a CBA to be in place to avoid delaying or canceling regular season games has been set by the end of February.
MLB, MLBPA to begin regular meetings
After months of failed CBA negotiations, the league and union reportedly are expected to hold daily meetings this week in attempt to end the lockout.
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