It seemed as though there was some positive news regarding the MLB lockout. The MLBPA had brought their proposal to the table on Monday, and while nothing was agreed upon, the sides did speak for around two and a half hours. The fact that they had agreed to meet again on Tuesday was another positive after weeks without any movement.
But leave it to ownership to ruin those positive thoughts. They indicated a willingness to lose games in the upcoming season if negotiations do not go the way they want.
Heard MLB owners gave mixed signals about timing of 2022 season. On the one hand, they say they’re hoping to reach a deal on time for a full season.
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) January 24, 2022
But in today’s session they also indicated they’re willing to lose games. That was a first for these talks.
MLB owners determined to alienate fans
It makes sense that some things could be said in frustration. Those talks on Monday were reportedly heated at times. But to outright say that they were willing to lose games in the regular season, especially at a time when so many people are feeling the effects of the pandemic, is a horrendous look.
Then again, Major League Baseball has blatantly ignored public relations over the past few years. Rob Manfred has seemingly gone out of his way to anger as much of the fanbase as possible since taking over, making this stance even less of a surprise. Even if it is just posturing, the league should know better.
The MLBPA also made concessions in their offer. They dropped their request to have free agency for some players before six years of service time and decreased the amount they are asking for in revenue sharing. It is certainly a start.
But the league is determined to get its way. If they lose games, be it in spring training or during the regular season, they will lose income. Such a threat is a matter of the league cutting off its nose to spite its face. It is not a surprise that they would do so.
MLB owners have stated that they are willing to lose games in 2022. Even if it is just posturing, it is still a horrendous look for the league.