Derek Jeter: There's 'no trust' between MLB players, owners
It took Major League Baseball and the players' association a long time to come to an agreement to begin the 2020 season amid the coronavirus pandemic, and Derek Jeter has an idea as to why.
The part owner of the Miami Marlins made an appearance during the "Marlins Line Drive" interview series on Tuesday and discussed the severed relationship between MLB owners and players:
"It was disappointing, it was embarrassing at times; the back-and-forth. There is no trust (between owners and players) is the best way to put it.
"It was pretty sad to see the back and forth being played out publicly in a time like now. We have so many people filing for unemployment throughout the country; over 30 million people, 40 million people with no jobs. And they really don't want to hear owners and players going back and forth about how much money they deserve and how much money they need."
Jeter, who is set to officially be inducted into Cooperstown, made over $265 million during his playing career with the New York Yankees. So while he was embarrassed with the negotiations, he understands where the players were coming from, as he once was one.
After months of discussions, the league mandated a shortened 60-game season, and training camps are expected to get underway on Wednesday. Opening Day will begin on either July 23 or 24.
While baseball is returning, some players are electing not to, though. Colorado Rockies star Ian Desmond has opted out of the 2020 season to take care of his family, help Sarasota Youth Baseball and promote the Black Lives Matter movement.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Leake was the first to opt out, citing personal and family reasons. Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman also opted out, citing family concerns.
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