After 99 days of the lockout, Major League Baseball and the Players Association have reached an agreement on March 10, which will mean baseball will officially return. Major League Baseball’s last lockout was in 1994 when players went on strike until the 1995 season. Although the agreement almost did not happen, the union subcommittee voted 8-0 against the deal but the union’s larger executive committee voted 26 to 12 in favor of the new deal. Thus, games that were scheduled for this month will be rescheduled for the end of the season and Opening Day will be April 7th.
The new deal consists of many new benefits for players. For instance, a 162 game schedule will now be played. Players will have an increase of pay from $570,500 to $700,000. In addition, for the lost time, players will still receive their full salaries in 2022. The season will consist of an expansion of 12-teams for the postseason, with six teams from each league going to playoffs. Furthermore, jerseys are now allowed to have patches of advertisements along with decals on their helmets. Both the American League and the National League are allowed designated hitters. Additionally, there will be a limited amount of times a player can be placed in the minor leagues in one season.
The MLB now has a 45-minute window to make any rule changes such as a pitch clock and larger bases. With the lockout finally over there is a surplus of free agent players like Freddie Freeman who are looking for a team willing to spend their money. Baseball fans are eagerly waiting to watch their favorite team play. Players as well have been anticipating being together again and hearing the fans cheer them on. Overall, the 99-day lockout proves how much the players are willing to pause the season to demand what they are owed.
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