Negotiations between MLB and the players’ union have been frustrating for months, and there hasn’t been any momentum towards a deal.
However, the situation may be starting to change.
ESPN insider Jeff Passan reported that the start of next week could be huge for the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) talks.
“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,” he said.
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
Perhaps the presence of many owners and players can help speed things up.
Fans And Observers Begged For More Dialogue Between The Two Sides
One of the main reasons for criticism for both owners and players during talks has been the fact that the dialogue was almost non-existent.
This appears to be about to change, with more frequent sessions of bargaining.
At this point, with 10 days to go before reaching MLB’s deadline to start the season on time (players would need about four weeks of spring training), there needs to be intense, long, and frequent bargaining sessions.
The league is still hopeful that a deal can be reached before the end of February.
And despite Thursday’s meeting lasting only 15 minutes, the representatives of the MLB and the Players Association had a 20-minute chat that was described as “candid”.
Dan Halem and Bruce Meyer, the lead negotiators, had a side meeting after the main meeting ended. That conversation was about 20 minutes. Said to be candid. MLB will get back to MLBPA as to next meeting’s scheduling.
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) February 17, 2022
Fans are still hopeful they can enjoy a relatively normal 2022 season, but the next week will be crucial to determine if that scenario could still be in play.
We may still have a full, 162-game season this year after all that has happened.
NEXT: MLB Reportedly Feels No Progress Was Made Thursday