Major League Baseball made it official on Friday: the first week of Spring Training games through March 4 have been canceled.
“We regret that, without a collective bargaining agreement in place, we must postpone the start of Spring Training until no earlier than March 5,” MLB state through a press release.
“All 30 Clubs are unified in their strong desire to bring players back to the field and fans in the stands. The Clubs have adopted a uniform policy that provides an option for full refunds for fans who have purchased tickets from the Clubs to any Spring Training games that are not taking place. We are committed to reaching an agreement that is fair to each side.”
In response to the owners, the MLB Players’ Association shared a press release rife with frustration.
“MLB announced today that it ‘must’ postpone the start of the spring training games. This is false. Nothing requires the league to delay the start of spring training, much like nothing required the league’s decision to implement the lockout in the first place. Despite those decisions by the league, Players remain committed to the negotiating process.”
While the previous CBA expired at midnight on Dec 1, the entirety of MLB – owners and players alike – could have continued business as usual under the previous agreement until a new one was created. However, the owners immediately opted to lock out players in order to “jumpstart the negotiation,” according to a letter written by Commissioner Rob Manfred to fans.
Pitchers and catchers should have already reported this week to baseball facilities across Arizona and Florida in preparation for the 2022 season.
Though this would suggest the March 31 Opening Day should also be pushed back by a week, Manfred said in his press conference on Feb 10 that players could manage with only four weeks of Spring Training.
While the most recent meeting between the two sides reportedly lasted just 15 minutes on Thursday, both parties have agreed to meet on Monday and may even continue to come together throughout the week in hopes of saving the 162-game regular season.
MLB presented the union with a calendar on Thursday outlining Feb 28 as the last day to finalize the CBA before Opening Day would have to be moved back. So, it may all come down to the next seven days.
In addition to the remaining 13 games at home for the Rockies at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, AZ, the shadow of canceled games also hangs over the recently announced Big League Weekend (Part 2) in Las Vegas on March 18-19 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
