While fans and teams are patiently waiting for the end of the MLB lockout, an unexpected deal took over the headlines. Houston Astros and Justin Verlander’s $50 million deal was made official last night, despite the ongoing lockout.

Understandably, fans who were already furious with the lockout delaying the free agency process, further lost their calm, as Houston Astros became the only team to make a deal official in the lockout.

Fans explode on Twitter reacting to the lockout deal

While free agency rumors were in full swing, December came with a drought of deals as the lockout was implemented. However, ESPN’s Buster Olney ignited controversy yet again, making a huge revelation last night.

According to Buster, ”Justin Verlander’s two-year, $50 million agreement for ’22-’23 with Houston has been given formal approval by Major League Baseball, even at a time when the owners have locked out the players in the on-going labor battle. MLB and the union have worked through the final details.”

Although the signing of the deal was already announced before the lockout, the official agreement reveal caused fans to lose their temper. Notably, Houston Astros often receive harsh criticism and a deal in the lockout wasn’t going to help their situation with rival fans. In fact, the fans even slammed the Houston Astros for always getting preferential treatment, citing the 2017 controversy as yet another example.

While they attacked the Astros, they couldn’t have let the MLB officials get away with this decision as well. They accused MLB commissioner Rob Manfred of being biased towards the Houston Astros.

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Was the Houston Astros given preferential treatment?

Undeniably, things look like they worked in the Houston Astros’ favor; however, they were saved by their timing. The Houston Astros had already submitted their signed deal with Justin Verlander to the MLB officials on the 1st of December. Thankfully for the team, the deal was on the MLB officials’ table before the lockout.

Hence, the agreement was a done deal between the player (Justin Verlander) and the team (Houston Astros). Only now the MLB officials have given their approval, bringing the deal into play. Therefore, no ‘special treatment’ was given to the Houston Astros team.

What are your thoughts on the MLB lockout deal?

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