MLB and the Players Association will meet again on Monday, hoping to make some progress for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), and a certain Cincinnati Reds player is keeping his hopes up.
The sides are very far apart at the moment, but league officials estimate they have about a week to hammer out a deal until the start of the season needs to be delayed.
Fans are anxiously waiting for a resolution, as they don’t know if they will be able to watch baseball this year.
Players, however, are also hoping negotiations can result in a new agreement so everyone can officially focus on the 2022 MLB season.
Lots of players have been training on their own, but it’s not the same as doing it with their teammates and in their team’s facilities.
Because of the lockout, players can’t use their club’s facilities for training or rehab.
A sizable percentage of players, unlike owners, need a season to take place to provide for themselves and their families.
If they don’t play, they receive no pay, and while they can always explore other leagues during an MLB lockout, it’s not the same.
India Needs To Play And Keep Evolving
One of the players praying for talks to result in a quick deal this week is Reds infielder Jonathan India.
India tweeted the words “play ball” with a praying emoji.
Play ball… 🙏🏼
— Jonathan India (@JonathanIndia) February 21, 2022
The reigning 2021 National League Rookie of the Year just completed his first year of MLB service time and will make the league minimum.
He could be within a group of outstanding players by performance who receive a bonus depending on his finish in Wins Above Replacement (WAR).
He needs the union to negotiate a good deal for young major leaguers, but above all, he needs to play to keep his upward career curve and to receive his payment.
MLB and the MLBPA both hope this week can be successful regarding bargaining sessions.
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