" AS MLB PREPS NEW PROPOSAL, NBA 'S EXPERIENCE WITH LOCKOUTS LOOMS If fans are hoping a new MLB collective bargaining proposal gets a deal done fast, the NBA's experience tells a different story MATTHEW POSTINS AND CHRIS HALICKEJAN 7, 2022 Major League Baseball (MLB) is reportedly preparing a new Collective Bargaining Agreement proposal for the MLB Players Association (MLBPA), one that could be presented as early as next week. But, as The Athletic points out, that doesn’t mean an agreement is in sight. MLB locked out the players on Dec. 2, which doesn't impact games at the moment since it's the offseason. However, all other business including free agency, trades, salary arbitration and the Rule 5 draft are all on hold until the lockout is over and a new CBA is signed. There has been little reported contact between MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and MLBPA executive director Tony Clark since the lockout began, and the only talks that took place revolved around non-critical issues. The chasm between the owners and players on core economic issues such as free agency, salary arbitration and revenue sharing is well documented. So, a new offer from MLB may jump-start discussions toward a new CBA. Or, in the experience of the NBA, it may just lead to more foot-dragging. Evan Drellich, the author of the piece, spoke to a source familiar with previous NBA labor negotiations. While MLB is experiencing its first work stoppage of any kind in 26 years, the NBA has locked out its players four times in the past three decades. The takeaway, per Drellich’s source? Breaking the lockout won’t be easy. “Nothing happens until the very last minute,” the source told Drellich. “It’s a very primitive mentality that people feel the other side is not going to give its best offer until they are looking down the barrel of what’s ahead. "
