Who Is The Federal Mediator MLB Called To Sort Out The Lockout With Players Union?

The MLB lockout is in progress now and has been for more than 60 days. However, fans may finally have some respite. With Major League Baseball announcing its intention to bring in a federal mediator to deal with the impasse, things are looking up. The MLB entered a lockout on December 2nd, 2021; and has only recently shown serious intent to end the labor stoppage by bringing a mediator into the negotiations. And while it remains to be seen if the Player Union agrees to the proposition from the League, it surely seems to be a step in the right direction.

The League recently bought through the proposition to appoint a mediator. A neutral third party to help resolve the impasse between the parties. As it stands the parties are in disagreement on key economic issues. And without significant movement on both sides’ positions, an outcome seems unlikely. The good news, however, is that similar negotiations have been dealt with in the past. By the same experts. Reportedly, in top contention to be requested as mediator is Scot Beckenbaugh; who helped tremendously when the NHL was undergoing similar negotiations.

Read More: Lockout Finally Ending?- Deal Between MLB and Players “As Good as Done”

Who is Scot Beckenbaugh?

The NHL was faced with a similar issue in 2013 when the CBA in the League was set to lapse. After a frenetic 48 hours of negotiations, Beckenbaugh was instrumental in the deal that came to pass. The new CBA ended a 4-month lockout that was ongoing at the time in the NHL.

Reportedly, the mediator’s constant three-block walks over 13 hours between the parties laid the groundwork for the agreement to come to fruition. His presence seemed to calm the anger and build the trust necessary in these negotiations. Beckenbaugh was credited with bringing both sides to the bargaining table again. That is of course nothing to say for the 16 hours consequent spent by the parties negotiating.

In a similar situation to negotiations ensuing at the moment, the key features of the deal were still in flux; despite the parties being in agreement regarding several features surrounding the considerations. But the presence of a third party really helped the information to flow and for conversations to continue.

“You could go to him and talk to him about it and there was a way to work your ideas through a third party who was really able to help the process,” said Winnipeg Jets defenseman Ron Hainsey who formed a key part of the Players Union.

However, an MLB spokesperson would confirm only that the request for mediation was made. The union declined to comment. So it is still uncertain if the process will begin. With fans keeping their fingers crossed, we will surely be hoping that the issues can be resolved soon.