Even after 10 weeks of the lockout in Major League Baseball, the owners and players have not reached the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. And if they do not agree to the CBA deal at the earliest, then it is possible that the regular season will not start on schedule.
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However, after the Thursday media address by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, it seems like the 2022 season will not be hampered by the lockout. As he is optimistic about the regular season starting on time.
Notably, there have been lots of activities in MLB in the past week itself. First, the owners refused to offer their counter-proposal. And instead, they requested the players’ association to include a mediator for the negotiations. Then the players’ association declined the offer and said they will negotiate only with the owners, without any third party.
Rob Manfred on starting the season on time
To put an end to all the speculations about the start of the 2022 season, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred addressed the media on Thursday. And he confirmed that the regular season will start as scheduled. Manfred said that before the regular season kicks off, they will have an agreement.
Rob Manfred on starting the regular season on time: "I'm an optimist. I believe we will have an agreement in time to play our regular season schedule.'' He said it would be disastrous if the regular season was delayed or abbreviated.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 10, 2022
“I’m an optimist. I believe we will have an agreement in time to play our regular season schedule. It would be disastrous if the regular season was delayed or abbreviated,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.
MLB to have universal DH from the 2022 season
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 25, 2021; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) triples against the Seattle Mariners in the first inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
In his press address, Manfred also confirmed that from this season onwards, there will be a universal DH (Designated Hitter) for all teams. Earlier, universal DHs were not allowed in the National League. While in the American League, they already have a designated hitter like Shohei Ohtani on their team.
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However, it is still not certain when the lockout will end in MLB, and fans will get to see games in ballparks. This Saturday, the owners and the players’ association will be again meeting for the CBA deal. Only time will tell if the season will start on schedule.