MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed a preference for a free agency period in December that includes “two weeks of flurried activity” and has a deadline.
However, the league’s proposals regarding a free agency deadline were not well received by the Major League Baseball Players Association.
This has resulted in several top free agents, such as Blake Snell, Cody Bellinger, and J.D. Martinez, remaining unsigned as spring training begins.
“We would prefer to have a free agency signing period, ideally in December, with a deadline,”
Manfred said.
Manfred wants a free agency signing period for MLB pic.twitter.com/7e2v02EzHo
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 15, 2024
Manfred on unsigned free agents: “We would prefer to have a free agency signing period, ideally in December, with a deadline.” Says MLB made proposals to MLBPA that “were not well received.” MLB would prefer “two weeks of flurried activity.”
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) February 15, 2024
Although many major free agency signings took place before the New Year, there have been notable moves since then.
The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani, a two-time MVP, and starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a massive contract.
The Arizona Diamondbacks signed Eduardo Rodriguez, and the San Francisco Giants acquired centerfielder Jung Hoo Lee on significant deals.
To avoid top players remaining unsigned during spring training, the league may consider implementing a free agency deadline.
However, it remains to be seen if the player’s association will accept this proposal.
In other news, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has announced that his current term will be his last, with retirement scheduled for January 2029.
Manfred took over as commissioner in 2015, succeeding Bud Selig. During his tenure, Manfred has made significant changes to the game, such as implementing a pitch clock and expanding the playoffs.
Manfred, asked if current five-year term will be his last: “This is going to be my last term.”
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) February 15, 2024
However, he faced criticism for his handling of the Houston Astros’ cheating scandal, where players were granted immunity in exchange for testimony.
Manfred also oversaw a lockout of players in 2021-22, which was resolved with a collective bargaining agreement set to expire in 2026.
Before leaving office, Manfred aims to establish a process for expanding the league to 32 teams.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred addressed several topics during a news conference. He responded to criticism of the new Nike Vapor Premier uniforms, stating that they will become popular over time and emphasizing the partnership with Nike.
However, there have been reports of players not liking the look or fit of the jerseys. Manfred acknowledged the differences in the jerseys and explained that they have been extensively tested and received positive feedback from players.
Manfred also discussed the issue of top free agents remaining unsigned and expressed the owners’ preference for a free agent signing period similar to other sports.
Proposals were made to the MLBPA, but they were not well-received. Manfred highlighted the tactic of stretching out negotiations to get a better deal and expressed a desire for more activity and coverage during the winter meetings.
There were no new updates on the Oakland Athletics’ move to Las Vegas or the pending sale of the Baltimore Orioles.
Manfred expressed confidence in the move to Las Vegas and the league’s hope to quickly approve the Orioles’ sale. The A’s are still looking for a temporary home until the proposed Vegas stadium opens.
Manfred addressed the ongoing fallout from the Diamond Sports Group bankruptcy case and assured that MLB would support any clubs affected by it.
The league took over local broadcasts for the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks last season after Diamond walked away from those deals.
Additionally, Manfred mentioned the league’s investigation into teams fabricating player injuries, citing the recent suspension of former New York Mets general manager Billy Eppler.
He expressed concern about cheating and emphasized that personal responsibility is important in such matters.
Fans reacted as follows:
All the people who have been asking for a signing deadline are gonna switch sides so quick.
— The Skippers View (@TheSkippersView) February 15, 2024
Never going to happen bc Tony Clark is what’s wrong with baseball not rob😭the PA declined this. Deadline should be December 24th at 11:59pm all deals after that have to be 1-year or MILB with a ST invite, let me cook
— Dillion Harper (@og_yungdilly) February 15, 2024
If they don’t sign by February 1st, they can’t play until May 1st.
However, a player should be able to prove if he hasn’t received a fair market value offer, they can still sign after February 1st. Determining fair market value would be a pretty simple task.
— Ryan (@downsr30) February 16, 2024
I agree with a deadline, I disagree it being in December, but I imagine this is part of a grand picture negotiating scheme to say fine we'll do January 20th instead of December 31st to make MLBPA feel like they won something.
— Ryan (@BaseballGuyRyan) February 15, 2024
Thiswould be great for fans but ultimately puts all pressure on free agents and leads to owners keeping salaries lower
— Eyal (@EyalShachar) February 15, 2024
People are talking like it’s a good thing but woudnt it rush free agents forcing them to sign under what their valued
— Spud 🥔 (@spudBSBL) February 15, 2024
Another brilliant idea. Pls don’t wait until 2029 to retire. Retire today
— Fully Vaxed Jax (@Fiedlaboi) February 15, 2024
MLB would obviously screw players over during a signing period. Theres really no reason to have one
— Average Chris Taylor hater (@Iambored44) February 15, 2024
I’ve been saying this for months. There are plenty of incentives for both players and teams to get this a win win deal. But I’ve been saying this and now that the commissioner mentions it, then it becomes a big deal.
— The Everyday Man (@everydayman24) February 16, 2024
How about any signed during the 2 weeks don’t count, not as much towards the luxury tax for any teams that have paid it the year before, and haven’t gone over by more than 10% in the last 5 years.
— Thomas McCreedy III (@MccreedyIII) February 15, 2024
I’ll say it loud for the people in the back: PLAYERS HAVE NO OBLIGATION TO SIGN A CONTRACT FOR LESS MONEY (which is literally the whole reason MLB wants a 2-week period) SIMPLY BECAUSE THE FANS ARE IMPATIENT OR THE TEAMS WANT TO SPEND LESS MONEY OR THE LEAGUE WANTS MORE HEADLINES
— Rob Manfraud (@TB12goatfan87) February 15, 2024
With a deadline so teams can pay players less. “Well 3 teams offered you the same dollar amount and we’ve only got 12 hours left to decide, so we’ve gotta pick one.”
But also not being with the team to start spring training doesn’t sit right with me. But I’m no authority.
— DRoze (@Danny_Rozell) February 15, 2024
Without a salary cap, there’s no easy way to push earlier free agent signings. NBA and NFL get a flurry because players know that the longer they wait, the less teams there will be to vie for their services.
— chad mazanowski (@ChadMazanowski) February 15, 2024
The whole sport is a mess… in no other sport do you have top tier athletes unsigned by the time training camp rolls around fans of teams want to see the drama of high octane off seasons like there are in the nfl and nba…
— EastSide Scumbag 🚬💊🍸 (@trashbagjones69) February 15, 2024
I think I'd be cool with like mid- to late January for a deadline. December feels a little too early
— The Ott Spot 🍉 (@TheOttSpot) February 15, 2024
That means we get Theo for 5 full years. I'll take it.
— Hartman Teets (@HartmanTeets6) February 15, 2024
🦀MANFRED WILL BE GONE🦀
— Nyanasaur (@Nyanasaur) February 15, 2024
— Dave (@def_da23) February 15, 2024
It’s wild because it would be fully legal for the Red Sox to just sign Jordan Montgomery. No jail time or anything. They can legally sign the exact guy they need right now.
— Steve Perrault (@Steve_Perrault) February 15, 2024
