MLB owners want to implement major change to free agency

MLB wants to create its own free-agent frenzy. 

On Thursday, league commissioner Rob Manfred revealed that the owners want to establish a set period for signing free agents like in other professional leagues. 

"We would prefer to have a free-agent signing period," Manfred said via SNY. "Ideally, with a deadline that drove people to make their deals."

Manfred added that the league has introduced several proposals to the MLBPA about a potential free-agent signing period, though they weren't "warmly received." 

"With the system we have right now, one of the tactics that's available to player representatives is to stretch out the negotiations in the beliefs they're going to get a better deal," Manfred said. "That's part of the system right now. There's not a lot we can do about it. Certainly, from an aspirational perspective, we'd rather have two weeks of flurried activity in December, preferably around the winter meetings." 

A deadline to sign free agents might be necessary as several impact players remain unsigned midway through February, including Cody Bellinger, Jordan Montgomery and two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell. 

The lack of a deadline, though, keeps the hot stove burning deep into spring training. While the current system stretches out signings over a handful of months instead of weeks, baseball stays relevant through the Super Bowl, which can't be a bad thing. 

Manfred also discussed other topics, including the never-ending saga surrounding the Oakland A's and a potential Las Vegas relocation, along with an update on his future as commissioner. 

Manfred provided no real news on the A's. Still, he said he was "confident" the move to Las Vegas was on track, adding that the team has been meticulously assessing interim home parks for the seasons leading up to 2028, when a stadium will be ready to open. 

Finally, after agreeing to a contract extension in July to remain commissioner through 2028, Manfred announced on Thursday that he won't seek reelection and will end his tenure in early 2029.