MLB Lockout is Over

Lockout is Over, MLB Opening Day is April 7

(Photo by Uppercutmagazine.com)

By David A. Avila

Grease up the turnstiles Opening Day will be April 7, after Major League Baseball announced an agreement has been ratified with the players on Thursday that includes a designated hitter for both leagues, 12-team playoffs and guaranteed more money for new players.

We have a game.

Major League Baseball Players Association and Major League Baseball owners agreed on a new five-year Collective Bargaining Agreement that includes several major changes in the National Pastime and guarantees a 162-game season in 2022.

And what does it mean?

First, free agents can now negotiate with teams. More than 200 free agents will be on their phones speaking to agents or owner’s representatives. Some of those looking for teams are Freddie Freeman, Clayton Kershaw, Kris Bryant, Carlos Rodan and Anthony Rizzo, Carlos Correa, Trevor Story, Zack Greinke to name a few.

Those phones are probably burning up right now.

New changes in MLB

Here’s what was approved by the players and owners in MLB:

Universal DH

Raise in salary minimum for new players now at $700,000 to $780,000. Previously it was $500,000.

Bonus pool for pre-Arbitration players at $50 million.

Increase of playoff teams from 10 to 12 in 2022 and beyond.

Amateur draft increased to 20 rounds with guaranteed bonuses.

Maximum of five Minor League options per season to reduce back and forth shuttling during the season.

Critical aspects

One of the more controversial topics during the talks concerned the young players who sought higher contracts after having outstanding years. Now the players minimum salaries are increased and incentives are included for award winning performances and stat-driven highlights. $50 million to be distributed to the top 100 players based on awards and statistical performance. It will be determined by a joint committee comprised of MLB and MLBPA. For example, when New York Yankee Aaron Judge had his monstrous first year, he could have been tripled in salary in his second.

Another concern involved players on the International pool such as Dominican, Venezuelan and Japanese players not included in the domestic draft. This was a major issue and has been set aside to be studied by a committee of players and owners until late June this year. Their findings will be brought forward and voted on if necessary.

Lottery picks will belong to six teams. Determining those teams has been changed to a more complicated regimen. Those teams receiving revenue sharing more than three consecutive seasons will be ineligible. This means you can’t lose on purpose.

Teams promoting top prospects on Opening Day will eligible to receive draft picks if the player finishes in the top three of Rookie of the Year voting, or top five in MVP or Cy Young Award voting.

Competitive Balance Tax

This has been raised to $230 from $210. Next year it increases to $233. Teams surpassing the amount for the first time will be taxed a 20 percent tax on all overages. Exceeding the threshold a second consecutive year a team will be hit with a 30 percent tax. If a team goes under the threshold everything is reset.

New Rule Changes

Beginning in 2023 a Joint Competition Committee comprised of four active players, six members appointed by MLB and one umpire will study and evaluate possible changes in the rules and game such as: automatic ball/strike system (robot umpire), limits on defensive shifts, large bases, pitch clock, and any rule changes. Once established it can be instituted with 45-day notice to the players.

Gone

No longer will there be seven-inning doubleheaders nor a runner on second during extra-inning games.

And of course, the Designated Hitter rule now applies for both leagues. Gone are pitchers hitting in the lineup.