The MLB-imposed lockout is still very much in place, as owners and players haven’t come to terms on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) to oversee all things concerning the league.
The worst thing about the lockout is that no one knows how much it will extend or when will it end.
Players, therefore, are major losers in this particular situation, because they don’t earn money if they don’t play.
They already lost thousands (in some cases, millions) of dollars after the COVID-19 pandemic and the difficulties between MLB and the union to agree on conditions to play in 2020.
As the lockout extends further and further into the spring, the union believes, according to the AP, that some players will look to sign overseas in order to secure their payday amid the uncertainty surrounding MLB’s 2022 campaign.
Lots Of Players May Migrate To South Korea And Japan
Japan and South Korea are the two preferred destinations for major leaguers.
Those have become attractive destinations because the calendar is similar to that of MLB, and both leagues are very competitive, especially Japan.
As of right now, it’s unlikely that MLB spring training starts on time: camps were expected to open on February 14.
As a result, the regular season is almost a lock to be pushed back.
How much?
Nobody knows, so no one can blame players for seeking other opportunities.
A “Work Stoppage Guide” created by the Major League Baseball Players Association and distributed to its members (cited in the AP article) says that “the PA would challenge any attempts by MLB to interfere with players who choose to participate in a foreign league during a lockout.”
The same guide said that “during the 2004-05 work stoppage, a large number of NHL players chose to play internationally.”
The union also warned, in the guide, that it will fight for the rights (payment and access to rehab) of those players who are injured and unable to play if the lockout extends well into the regular season.
Back to MLB players potentially signing to play in the KBO and the NPB; a bunch of them already did it in recent months.
Some Major Leaguers Already Committed To Asian Teams
Six-year veteran Rio Ruiz, longtime New York Yankees’ minor leaguer Chris Gittens, former star Yasiel Puig, solid shortstop Freddy Galvis, pitcher Ivan Nova, and former Pittsburgh Pirates top prospect Gregory Polanco are some of the players who will be in Asia in 2022.
Polanco signs in Japan https://t.co/TzPNQwKZpA
— SHBL (@sherco4eva) January 5, 2022
If the lockout extends, however, there is a chance that a lot more major leaguers follow their steps.
A lot more.
In 2020, when South Korea was ahead of most countries in controlling the pandemic, lots of MLB players went there.
Chris Flexen, now with the Seattle Mariners, was one.
Dan Straily, Taylor Motter, Casey Kelly, Aaron Altherr, Mike Wright, Odrisamer Despaigne, Preston Tucker, Tyler Saladino, Adrian Sampson, and Dixon Machado were some former MLB players who went to South Korea and secured their payday two years ago.
With the uncertainty of MLB, I'm not surprised with the amount of fringe players wanting to sign in either Japan or Korea.
A minor league contract doesn't guarantee you anything. Playing overseas offers more $$$ & opportunity, so why not jump at the chance?
— That Sports Guy (@Jason_Shetler) December 27, 2021
Players need to provide, for themselves and for their families, and if the last few years have shown us something, is that MLB owners and the Commissioner Rob Manfred don’t care too much about major (or minor) leaguers and their loved ones.
