On Dec. 2, 2021, the MLB went into its first lockout since 1994. After many months of meetings and trying to meet the opposing conditions, the MLB still has not come to an agreement and has pushed back the start of the season.
A lockout in baseball is when the owners completely shut down all baseball activities and the only business that can take place is contract negotiations and players working out. In February, the players and owners had still not come to an agreement, but many did not believe the lockout would affect the 2022 season.
For a lockout to end, players and owners must come to an agreement on the conditions that are trying to be reached. The players are represented by the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) which is demanding the players’ minimum salary to be increased, different free agency terms and paying players fair amounts. With a long list of demands, the owners have failed to negotiate with the players and their terms. Along with the players’ demands, the owners also want to extend the playoffs due to the money that is brought in compared to the regular season. Players have agreed to a shorter 154 game season with an extension of the playoffs.
Feb. 18 struck the first sign of worry for the season when the MLB announced the first week of spring training would be postponed a week and would start no earlier than March 5. At this point, agreements have been made on smaller issues, but the bigger issues have still yet to come to a conclusion.
Many meetings were held in a week’s span, but little progress was made. A deadline for the new labor deal was set for Tues. March 1, but when terms have not met the commissioner for the MLB was forced to cancel the first week of the season, which would mean the first two series of the season.
The new deadline has been set for March 18, and if no deal has been met, the league will be canceled at least another week.
With no new information about any deals out, fans are left to wonder if a 2022 season will happen. Many players and owners know they cannot risk losing the money of not having a season, but for money to not be lost, sacrifices will have to be made.