John Henry says MLB is in 'tremendous shape,' but labor negotiations will require both sides working together

A Major League Baseball labor agreement is set to expire on Dec. 1, with owners expected to lock out players if no resolution occurs beforehand. Red Sox principal owner John Henry urged calm and cooperation, saying that listening on both sides can produce progress. He pointed to earlier successful talks involving professional golfers and the PGA Tour as a model for baseball. Henry said baseball is in tremendous shape but that upcoming negotiations are a huge challenge. He also emphasized the need to address economic issues affecting both players and clubs, citing work with Commissioner Rob Manfred and club executives on an economic reform effort.

"“I know for a fact that listening on both sides works. The Tour's moving forward. Baseball needs to do the same.” “I’m hopeful that 2026 can mark the beginning of a new partnership in Major League Baseball.”"

"“I've been privileged to work with Rob and a group of club executives on MLB's Economic Reform Committee, because both players and clubs have been unhappy with baseball's economic system for at least the last two CBAs,” said Henry, who also owns the Globe. “We need to work together to find common ground to move the game forward.”"

"“Rob has revitalized the game, but there are significant issues from both sides that need to be addressed. ... We can solve the complex issues that exist in baseball today, but it means more listening on both sides than ever before.”"

"The five-year-old collective bargaining agreement between MLB and the players association expires on Dec. 1. Barring an unexpected resolution before then, the owners - many of whom are believed to want a salary cap, which is a non-starter with the union - are expected to lock out the players as soon as the contract ends."

Read at Boston.com