MLB enters a lockout for first time since 1995

Well it’s official.

After failing to agree to a new collective bargaining agreement by midnight, the MLB has formally announced a lock out of its players. It’s the league’s first work stoppage in 26 years, which took place for nearly eight months between August 12, 1994 – April 2, 1995.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred released a letter to fans, urging them to remain positive and hopeful as negotiations between the league and the players association get underway.

“We believe that an offseason lockout is the best mechanism to protect the 2022 season,” wrote Manfred.

“We hope that the lockout will jumpstart the negotiations and get us to an agreement that will allow the season to start on time. This defensive lockout was necessary because the players’ association’s vision for Major League Baseball would threaten the ability of most teams to be competitive.”

During this process, teams will not be able to sign or trade players. However, clubs will be allowed to pay players any bonuses they are owed in the coming weeks or months. Players are not allowed to train or work out at club facilities, and are allowed to sign with other leagues assuming the strike lasts deep enough into the offseason.