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MLB lockout impacting international players as well

By David Hill

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - AUGUST 07: Pitcher Kodai Senga #21 of Team Japan is seen after the sixth inning against Team United States during the gold medal game between Team United States and Team Japan on day fifteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium on August 07, 2021 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - AUGUST 07: Pitcher Kodai Senga #21 of Team Japan is seen after the sixth inning against Team United States during the gold medal game between Team United States and Team Japan on day fifteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium on August 07, 2021 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images) /
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It is easy to think that the MLB lockout only matters stateside. While some fringe free agents may head overseas just to ensure themselves of a paycheck for next year, other leagues will continue as normal. No matter what happens here, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan will begin their seasons on time.

But there is another aspect to the lockout that has faded into the background. The lockout is keeping teams from being able to sign players to the 40 man roster, which has eliminated all but minor league contracts from being signed. This, in turn, could make a drastic impact upon international free agency and players being posted.

MLB lockout impacting international players

We have already seen examples where players have decided against coming stateside this offseason. Masahiro Tanaka was expected to exercise the opt-out clause in his contract, especially after his frustrations during the 2021 season. Instead, he has decided to remain in Japan and pitch for the Rakuten Golden Eagles next year.

light. Related Story. No winners in lockout talks

Another pair of intriguing pitchers have also decided against coming stateside. Kodai Senga, whose desire to pitch in the majors is well known, has signed a five year extension with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, although the contract does contain an opt-out clause. Tomoyuki Sugano, who also had an opt-out clause in his contract, has declined to utilize it, staying with the Yomiuri Giants.

While several players are usually posted, only Seiya Suzuki has entered the portal thus far. His signing may be complicated as well; although several teams are interested in his services, he cannot be added to the 40 man roster nor extended an invitation to spring training under the rules of the lockout.

The lockout has already created plenty of uncertainty. Those players that remain free agents do not know when they can begin negotiations again, nor how much time they will have before spring training. It is even worse for any foreign players that may be interested in coming stateside as they would need to find accommodations in a completely different country.

Next. 3 surprises from MLB lockout. dark

The MLB lockout is having an impact across the game regardless of country. Several Japanese players may be staying in NPB due to the labor stoppage.

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