MLB players are furious over what seems like a concerted effort from teams to avoid spending money on top free agents this offseason, and one prominent agent says an uprising is in the works.
In a powerful statement he released on Friday, Brodie Van Wagenen of CAA Baseball blasted owners across Major League Baseball and said their decision to not hand out big-money contracts “feels coordinated.” He also alluded to the 1994 strike and hinted that another work stoppage is not out of the question, starting with spring training later this month.
A rising tide… @MLB_PLAYERS pic.twitter.com/jwkoiiI0yt
— Brodie Van Wagenen (@bvanwagenen) February 2, 2018
“I would suggest that testing the will of 1,200 alpha males at the pinnacle of their profession is not a good strategy for 30 men who are bound by a much smaller fraternity,” the statement read. “These 1,200 men have learned first-hand that battles are won through teamwork, and they understand that Championships can’t be achieved by individuals. They are won by a group united by a singular focus. Victory at all costs. They are willing to sweat for it; they are willing to sacrifice for it; they are willing to cry for it; and most importantly, they are willing to bleed for it.
“There is a rising tide among players for radical change. A fight is brewing. And it may begin with one, maybe two, and perhaps 1,200 willing to follow. A boycott of Spring Training may be a starting point, if behavior doesn’t change.”
Van Wagenen’s statement was incredibly dramatic, especially referring to all of MLB’s players as “alpha males” who are ready for war. Still, you get the point.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic mentioned a potential spring training boycott in his report on Thursday, but he noted that players have been informed by the MLB Players Association that an organized strike like that would be a violation of the collective bargaining agreement, and there would likely be consequences. The players supposedly backed off of the idea after that.
We have heard of other steps free agents might take if they remain unsigned, but it sounds like waiting is the only option at this point. In the past, teams have been willing to sign players like J.D. Martinez and Jake Arrieta to deals that would pay them top dollar into their late-30s. Because of luxury tax implications and teams wanting to wait for next year’s loaded free agent class, that has not happened this offseason.
