The back and forth between the players union and Major League Baseball continues to go nowhere. After more details surfaced on the negotiations, New York Mets’ Marcus Stroman is losing hope that there will be baseball in 2020.
This season is not looking promising. Keeping the mind and body ready regardless. Time to dive into some life-after-baseball projects. Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. Brighter times remain ahead!
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) May 26, 2020
The newest details state the highest-paid players will suffer the most. The pay cuts would exceed the lesser paid players on the roster, and there are more than the union expected. Initially, the agreement allowed players to receive their pro-rates salaries, without pay decreases, to allow baseball to return.
Effects All Throughout Sports
The complacency looks worse on the league, especially after the National Hockey League announced their 24-team playoff proposal with training camps opening up by July 1. The Oakland Athletics decision to discontinue their $400 payments to minor league players also makes matters worse. MLB hopes to start by the beginning of July, but it seems more unlikely as the days pass.
Stroman originally had $12 million for his one-year deal, but the current proposal drops him to $3 million. The New York Yankees Gerrit Cole was set to get $36 million this year but will only get $8 million if the season resumes.
The long wait for a decision also lowers the chance Stroman ever plays for the Mets again. He will be a top pitcher on the upcoming free-agent market. With the Mets trading two of their better pitching for him, there had to be plans to extend him. He is only 29 and made his first All-Star team in 2019.
Praying that we get this figured out and back on the field soon. It’s hard to put into words how much I miss the game. Nothing compares to that feeling of excitement/nausea when taking the mound. Been craving that. However, WE must all stay positive and keep good faith daily!
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) May 26, 2020
It is hard to pinpoint who is right and wrong during these negotiations, while on the outside. One thing for sure is the player’s right to holdout if they do not receive just pay. The players have their dream jobs, but it should not stop them from wanting proper compensation for their hard work. If any of us had to work for less than we agreed for, we would act just like the players.
People assume these players receive every cent they agreed for with their contracts. Taxes are just one of the many ways a player does not assume their full salary. Players also make personal purchases in advance of the money because they planned with their money.
From what we have seen, the players’ concern is not about getting their full pay. It is about a broken promise. Negotiations are always part of decisions like these, but drastic changes are causing the downfall of a potential agreement.