MLB News: Rob Manfred Addresses CBA Negotiations

Embattled MLB commissioner Rob Manfred held a press conference on Thursday to discuss the ongoing CBA negotiations.

In a normal world, spring training would begin next week with pitchers and catchers reporting to camp. Baseball fans will be surprised to hear that Manfred apparently knows how to use a calendar.

Rob Manfred says “the status of spring training is no change right now. … We understand where that calendar is.” Manfred is saying the league needs to speak with the MLBPA on Saturday. So it would seem he is not announcing an official delay to spring training today.
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) February 10, 2022

Last week, MLB failed to submit a counterproposal to the MLBPA as promised. Instead, the league requested federal mediation for future sessions. Manfred stated that MLB will make a “good-faith” proposal this Saturday.

Manfred: "We're going to make a good-faith" proposal on Saturday. "It's a good proposal."
— Michael Silverman (@MikeSilvermanBB) February 10, 2022

If by some miracle a deal gets done over the next few days, Manfred provided a theoretical timeline in regards to spring training.

Manfred: Camps could open in just a few days after an agreement is reached. Players will need around 28 days to get game-ready.
Meaning deal by very end of February/early March to start season on time.
— Michael Silverman (@MikeSilvermanBB) February 10, 2022

Manfred also revealed that the league has no current plans to use replacement players for spring training games.

The commissioner is optimistic that a truncated spring training is still a possibility.

Amid the acrimony between MLB and the MLBPA, Manfred did divulge a few items the two sides have agreed on.

"We've proposed an agreement that is better in every respect than the expiring contract. For the first time in history, and despite substantial opposition by some clubs, we've agreed to institute a draft lottery to address the players' concern about clubs not competing. We've agreed to a universal designated hitter and the elimination of draft choice compensation. These changes will improve the free agent market by creating additional jobs that are often filled by veteran players, and by reducing -- actually eliminating -- the drag from compensation.”

In short, don’t buy your tickets for spring training just yet.