Just when we all though the tone of the talks between MLB and the Players Association was more cordial than anything else, the league struck again with one of its impositions.
Initially, it seems like, if games were lost, both sides were open to rescheduling several seven-inning doubleheaders as a way to make up for some of them and get as close to 162 games as possible.
However, that now appears to be a desire exclusive of players, not owners.
According to what an MLB spokesperson told Evan Drellich of The Athletic, Monday is the crucial date: if there is no collective bargaining agreement (CBA) deal by then, consequences would be hard to swallow for players.
“If a new CBA is not signed by Feb. 28: 2022 regular season games will be canceled, player pay will not be recouped, and games will not be rescheduled,” the spokesperson said.
A MLB spokesperson said that if a new CBA is not signed by Feb. 28:
▫️ 2022 regular season games will be canceled
▫️ Player pay will not be recouped
▫️ Games will not be rescheduled(via @EvanDrellich) pic.twitter.com/nW6hy3K5tA
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) February 23, 2022
Players Will Not Succumb To Pressure
Just like that, players have their backs against the wall once again.
However, they likely won’t be pressured into signing a deal they don’t want to sign.
Players all over the country have criticized the league’s latest negotiation tactic, including Steven Souza and Alex Wood.
Fans are obviously not happy, because they tend to side with players in their quest for a fair agreement with increased minimum salary and a more convenient competitive balance tax (CBT).
Those are, precisely, the most controversial points in the negotiations.
MLB wants to establish stiffer penalties for teams who exceed the CBT, and only marginally increase the threshold.
Unless the league makes a good faith offer to players, a deal is not likely to be reached before Monday’s hard deadline.
NEXT: Top MLB Stars Set To Lose A Fortune With Lost Games