MLB owners and the Players Association are currently trying to overcome their huge differences and hammer out the details of a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Without it, the 2022 season won’t start, so it’s pretty important that the two sides eventually reach a deal.
There is one problem, though: the sides are very far apart in core economic issues, such as minimum salary, competitive balance tax (CBT) amount and penalties, anti-tanking measures, service time manipulation, compensation for MLB players with 0-3 years of service time, and much more.
There is no clue as to when baseball will officially be back, so fans, analysts, executives, managers, coaches, and media only have one option: wait.
Players, however, can choose to keep training on their own, and most of them are already doing so.
One of them is pitcher Marcus Stroman, who signed a three-year, $71 million deal with the Chicago Cubs before the lockout.
Stroman Is Getting Himself In Top Shape
“I’m ready to go nine innings now. Tapped into a new level. Can’t wait to show the world and compete!,” he wrote on his official Twitter account while tagging his new team.
I’m ready to go nine innings now. Tapped into a new level. Can’t wait to show the world and compete! @Cubs
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) February 14, 2022
Stroman is not only one of the most active voices on social media showing his support for the players, but he is also a top pitcher who has shown his competitive edge numerous times.
Last season, with the New York Mets, he had a minuscule 3.02 ERA in 179 innings.
He is eager to show he can pitch even better with the Cubs in 2022.
He just needs a platform to show his talent, and so far, he isn’t getting one; at least until there is a new CBA deal.
He is doing the only thing he can do at this point: staying ready.
NEXT: Can Marcus Stroman Become An Ace Again?