MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred on Thursday announced that they will not delay the start of spring training yet, but will discuss it again during Saturday’s MLB/MLBA discussion. Most were expecting a delay going into today’s meeting with the media with the typical start of spring training just around the corner. Most teams were set to get pitchers and catchers in camp early next week.
With the owners and players in a labor standstill, a delay in spring training would put the start of the regular season in jeopardy. Manfred today said spring training would need to be around four weeks in order to start the season on time. That means MLB and the Players Association has until the beginning of March to get a deal done.
The teams are still are still scheduled to open the regular season March 31.
"I'm an optimist,” Manfred told reporters. “I believe we will have an agreement in time to play our regular season schedule.'' He adds that it would be “disastrous” if the season were delayed or shortened in any way.
Manfred’s announcement took place on the last day of owner’s meetings in Orlando, Florida. The quarterly meeting of owners started Tuesday but there has been little progress in negotiations. MLB requested a Federal mediator to speed the process which the player’s association quickly denied last week.
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The two sides also met with the U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. Walsh told CBS News, "I have spoken to both the MLBPA and MLB about the ongoing contract negotiations and encourage both sides to continue engagement. Like any contract negotiations in any industry, I stand ready to help facilitate productive conversations that result in the best outcome for workers and employers."
Players have been locked out by owners since early December after the current collective bargaining agreement ended. All reports have been that the players and the league are struggling to negotiate, and they still appear far apart despite the somewhat optimistic tone from Manfred Thursday.
"You're always one breakthrough away from making an agreement,” says Manfred.
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