Handfuls of baseball insiders have pointed out that MLB could lift the ongoing lockout that began after midnight ET on Dec. 2 so negotiations with the MLB Players Association about the big-money issues that divide the two sides could take place under the terms of the old collective bargaining agreement. That isn't happening anytime soon, as MLB confirmed expected news on Friday and announced that the start of spring-training games has been pushed back until at least March 5.
Camps were set to open this week, and exhibition contests were originally scheduled to begin on Feb. 26.
In a statement shared by Jesse Rogers of ESPN, the MLBPA lashed out at the latest move executed by the owners.
"MLB announced today that it 'must' postpone the start of spring training games. This is false," the MLBPA said. "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."
Rogers repeated previous claims that the parties "are far apart on a number of issues."
On Thursday evening, ESPN's Jeff Passan tweeted bargaining sessions could occur "perhaps every day" beginning on Monday. It's believed Opening Day games scheduled for March 31 will be at least postponed if no agreement is reached before the end of Feb. 28:
While exact plans are not finalized, MLB and the MLB Players Association intend to hold multiple bargaining sessions — perhaps every day — as early as Monday, sources told ESPN. Multiple owners and players expect to fly in for sessions leading up to MLB’s stated Feb. 28 deadline.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 18, 2022
For everyone who’s saying “why not sooner?”: One of the things that’s struck me for months now is a majority of industry people believe a deal could come together very quickly and that things will accelerate at end of February. Monday may not be ideal but offers plenty of time.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 18, 2022
Thursday's session between MLB and the MLBPA lasted roughly 15 minutes, something MLB Network insider Jon Heyman criticized Friday:
This new format for MLB/MLBPA talks where a proposal is given by one side and the other barely grunts has to go. Time is short so longer sessions with face-to-face give and take are needed now.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 18, 2022
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said last week teams prefer a minimum of four weeks of spring training to lead into the starts of regular-season schedules, but that topic could be revisited if the sides sign a deal on or around March 3 and still wish to keep Opening Day set for the final day of next month.
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