"The idea of a free agency signing period - similar to that of the NFL, NBA and NHL - was pitched by Major League Baseball in 2019 but turned down by the Players Association. MLBPA executive director Tony Clark said such a deadline would be more harmful than good for baseball, via David Brandt of the Associated Press: "A deadline, in all likelihood, is going to do more damage to players in those conversations than the other way around," Clark said."
"The NFL, NBA and NHL all have free agency frenzies at the start of their respective offseasons where most of the top players sign within the first week. Each of those leagues have salary caps, so the early activity is to be expected. Because MLB does not implement one, players have no incentive to sign right away and can wait out the market for the contract they are looking for."
MLB free agency experienced a prolonged standstill as notable free agents remained unsigned approaching Spring Training. Fans commonly feel frustrated by the lack of high-profile winter signings and trades. MLB proposed a free-agency signing period in 2019 similar to other major leagues, but the Players Association rejected the idea. The MLBPA argues that a signing deadline could harm players' negotiating leverage. Other leagues' early free-agent activity stems from salary caps, which MLB lacks, allowing players to delay deals. The potential introduction of a salary cap and changes to the competition committee are expected to be major CBA bargaining issues.
Read at Dodger Blue
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