MLB players threatening strike over offseason is shortsighted

MLB players are understandably frustrated with the glacial pace of free agent signings this offseason. A strike will not fix those issues.

Over the past couple of decades, Major League Baseball has enjoyed an unprecedented labor peace. After the disastrous 1994 Player’s Strike nearly destroyed MLB, both sides seemed to have learned their lessons. The owners and Player’s Union had been working together, bringing prosperity and mutual understanding to bargaining tables. They have actually compromised with one another, to great effect.

And now, that labor peace is being threatened. Frustrated with the glacial pace of MLB free agency this offseason, the players are threatening a strike. Rumblings of collusion have surfaced, and players such as Kenley Jansen have espoused such a plan of action as a way to accelerate the process to get these players signed. The Player’s Union itself weighed in with a strongly worded argument defending the sanctity of free agency.

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Collusion or not, the players certainl have a right to be suspicious. Over 100 players remain unsigned as we approach Spring Training, including top free agents like Eric Hosmer, Yu Darvish, and Mike Moustakas. With this being the case, and an amazing lack of suitors coming forward on these free agents, it is understandable that the players would feel that way.

However, this is a short sighted view. There are absolutely problems in the game, which are being magnified by this offseason and the lack of signings. Instead of the pace of play that commissioner Rob Manfred is continually bemoaning, the problem comes from the increasing popularity of tanking.

In past years, teams would be looking to patch the holes on their roster in free agency, filling out those spots in the hope of contending. Now, after seeing the success that teams like the Astros and Cubs had in their own attempts at tanking, other teams around the league are taking the same approach. At least ten teams are heading into the 2018 campaign not looking to compete, and are instead tanking to attempt their own rebuild. These teams are content to allow their prospects to come to the majors and learn on the fly, enduring 100 lose seasons in the hopes that it will pay off with a playoff berth in the coming years.

Meanwhile, those teams that typically spend in free agency are looking ahead. Teams like the Yankees and the Dodgers are looking to get under the luxury tax, aiming to reset their penalty as they look forward in their attempts to land players like Bryce Harper and Manny Machado. The upcoming free agent class promises a lot more star power than what is available this year.

That leads into another problem with free agency this offseason – even the top players are flawed. None of the top free agents are really game changers. Hosmer has an extreme ground ball rate, and is not the slugging first baseman most teams look for. Besides, few teams have an opening at first. Moustakas has had one and a half good years, leaving doubt as to whether or not he can continue to be that player. Darvish bombed in the World Series with the Dodgers. Jake Arrieta has not been the same star pitcher since the All Star Break in 2016. Can any of these players be that difference maker for a team on the cusp of the postseason?

Even those players that have offers out there are looking for more, despite the market saying otherwise. J.D. Martinez is holding out hope that he will get his $140 million contract, and is willing to sit out until it happens. Meanwhile, the Red Sox have reportedly offered him five years at $100 million. Hosmer is holding out for an eighth year, despite the fact that the two seven year contracts he has supposedly been offered are beyond ridiculous as it is. Darvish has an offer from the Brewers, who have done their best to ignite the hot stove. Instead, he is waiting for the Dodgers to clear salary to remain in Los Angeles. Yes, the market has been slow, but some of that responsibility falls upon the players, and their agents, as well.

It is difficult to claim collusion when such offers have been extended. In the case of collusion, like in 1987, teams just would not be making offers, or seeking to lowball players to keep salaries down. Martinez and Hosmer have received more than generous offers, but are refusing to sign, seeking to get more from a market that just is not there. Naturally, as the top players remained unsigned, the middle tier is left twisting in the wind as well. These wounds are self inflicted.

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MLB players are threatening a strike based on the slow pace of free agency. This shortsighted approach refuses to acknowledge their own part in the lack of movement this offseason.