Report: No meeting between MLB, MLBPA scheduled this week amid lockout
It was hoped that representatives from MLB and the MLB Players Association could head back to the negotiating table at some point before commissioner Rob Manfred speaks with media members during the owners meetings occurring in Orlando this week as the ongoing lockout threatens at least spring training workouts set to begin on Feb. 16.
It appears fans should keep their expectations low.
The Athletic's Evan Drellich reported Tuesday those two sides are holding separate meetings but currently aren't scheduled to come together for talks that could potentially solve issues causing the work stoppage that has no end in sight:
This comes after the MLBPA rejected MLB's offer for a federal mediator to get involved in the standoff last week, which resulted in United States Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh reportedly reaching out to owners and the union about potentially assisting in negotiations.
The MLBPA must agree for a third-party mediator to step in.
It's widely believed Opening Day games scheduled for March 31 will be in danger if no deal is signed by March 3 at the latest.
"I'm an optimist and a bit of an agreeable person by temperament so, yes, I am hopeful," former New York Mets slugger Daniel Murphy said Tuesday during an event related to that club's holding of a future Old Timers' Day, per The Associated Press (h/t ESPN). "I would be more hopeful after the owners meetings in Orlando if we can have a discussion with the union. There's been a bit of tension since the last time they were able to get an agreement together."
Murphy added: "I'm sure there's anxiety on both sides."
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