The previous week in MLB was about the league implementing a lockout after the collective bargaining agreement expired. An outfielder signs a multi-year deal, and a starting pitcher signs with a team in the National League.
MLB Implements Lockout After CBA Expires
Major League Baseball implemented a lockout of their players several days ago after the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) expired.
This means all league business and transactions will be halted until MLB and Major League Baseball Players Association reach a new deal.
MLB owners voted unanimously to lock out the players, per Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
Breaking: MLB owners vote unanimously to institute a lockout. It is expected to begin tomorrow but unclear what time.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 2, 2021
MLB and the players’ association successfully negotiated the last four CBAs without any work stoppages, most recent in December 2016.
This marks the fourth time MLB’s players have been locked out since 1972, and it’s the first work stoppage in the sport since the 1994 players’ strike.
MLB is in the offseason, and currently, there’s no chance of missing games.
However, teams aren’t allowed to contact players during a lockout, and players aren’t allowed to utilize team facilities.
Both parties are discussing several things – expressly, money and salaries.
Players want to end service-time manipulation and tanking, and they don’t want the competitive balance tax to prevent teams from spending.
It will take a considerable amount of time before MLB and MLBPA reach an agreement, and hopefully, an agreement occurs which doesn’t force the regular season to be delayed.
Los Angeles Dodgers Sign Utility Player Chris Taylor to Four-Year Deal
The Los Angeles Dodgers have brought back utility player Chris Taylor on a four-year contract.
The Dodgers today signed IF/OF Chris Taylor to a four-year contract that will keep him in Dodger Blue through the 2025 season.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) December 2, 2021
The deal is worth $60 million, per a source told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, including a fifth-year option that can increase the contract to $73 million.
Dodgers’ deal with Chris Taylor, per major-league source: Four years, $60M with fifth-year option that can increase the total value to $73M.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 2, 2021
Taylor has developed into a solid player for the Dodgers over the past couple of seasons while playing several positions across the baseball diamond.
Last year, he was an All-Star for the Dodgers, posting a .254 batting average and .782 OPS in 148 games with 92 runs scored, 25 doubles, four triples, 20 home runs, 73 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases.
Several teams were interested in Taylor, and it was great the Dodgers were able to sign him.
The team lost shortstop Corey Seager in free agency as he signed a long-term deal with the Texas Rangers.
Taylor will have an increased role moving forward as the Dodgers will need him to keep producing.
Chicago Cubs Ink Starting Pitcher Marcus Stroman to Three-Year Contract
According to a team announcement, the Chicago Cubs have signed starting pitcher Marcus Stroman to a three-year contract.
The #Cubs today agreed to terms on a three-year major league contract with RHP Marcus Stroman. pic.twitter.com/6bkko55shP
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) December 2, 2021
The contract is worth $71 million; sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN.
Marcus Stroman signed a three-year, $71 million contract with the Chicago Cubs that includes an opt out after the second season, sources tell ESPN. He’ll make $25 million in 2022, $25 million in 2023 and $21 million in 2024. It includes $2M escalators for 160 IP in ‘22 and ‘23.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 2, 2021
The deal includes an opt-out after the second season in 2023.
Stroman spent the last three seasons with the New York Mets and was reliable during the 2021 season.
He compiled a 3.02 ERA in 179 innings pitched (33 games started) with 158 strikeouts, 44 walks issued, 17 home runs allowed, a 133 ERA+, and 3.49 FIP.
The signing of Stroman was astute by the Cubs as they have added a quality pitcher to their starting rotation.
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- Chris is a New Jersey native whose favorite sports team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. He previously attended Western New England College to study Sports Management. Chris has been following the Diamondbacks since he was 12. You can find him on Twitter at @aecanada12.
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