Report reveals drop dead date for MLB season

Major League Baseball is quickly running out of time to prevent the lockout from impacting the regular season. In fact, the drop-dead date appears to be just days away at this stage.

MLB informed the MLBPA Thursday that the regular season will not start on time if a deal is not made by Feb. 28, according to Evan Drellich of The Athletic. While this could theoretically be negotiated, the length of spring training means there would be very little room to change the date.

Update: MLB told the MLBPA the date that a new CBA is needed by to start 2022 season on time is Feb. 28. Unclear if union agrees that is cut-off, but there cannot be much wiggle room, a few days at most. March 31 is opening day, and ST needs 4 weeks. @BNightengale mentioned 2/28.

— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) February 18, 2022

Reaching that deadline looks increasingly difficult. The two sides are not close to a deal, and there has been little compromise on key economic proposals. This has been the case for roughly a month now, and there is no sign things are changing.

Losing regular season games would be hugely damaging for the sport. On the other hand, some athletes are ready to step in, but that won’t make the situation any better.

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports