Spring training is in full swing, the inaugural game of the 2024 season is scheduled for Thursday, and the regular season is set to commence in a month. However, there is a significant number of impact players who have yet to secure new teams, much to the dissatisfaction of the rest of the league.
Justin Turner, who previously played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has managed to find a new home with the Boston Red Sox for the 2023 season and subsequently with the Toronto Blue Jays for 2024. As one of the league’s most respected players, Turner recently took the opportunity to express the frustrations shared by many players regarding the current signing process.
“It’s exasperating,” Turner stated on Monday, according to Sportsnet. “It’s frustrating not only for the players in the free-agency class but also for numerous teams across the league who are trying to determine the destinations of these players. It reflects poorly on baseball as a whole.”
Turner is absolutely correct in his assessment. It is disheartening for the sport that numerous players, including All-Stars, Cy Young winners, batting title holders, and Rookie of the Year recipients, are encountering difficulties in securing contracts. This situation does not present a positive image for the sport.
Players such as Blake Snell, Cody Bellinger, J.D. Martinez, Jordan Montgomery, Matt Chapman, Tim Anderson, and Tommy Pham, who have all made significant contributions to competitive teams in recent seasons, find themselves without teams as Opening Day approaches.
What is the reason for this lack of action and the seemingly endless delay? There is shared responsibility among teams, players, and agents. Unrealistic expectations, uncertainty surrounding television money, and excessive confidence all contribute to the current predicament. However, for many teams, prioritizing financial savings over assembling a competitive roster is the preferred option.
The middle class of free agency has become unattractive due to the high costs of signing these players without sufficient impact to justify the investment. Consequently, they remain in a state of limbo.
While Major League Baseball (MLB) may not have the power to enforce a resolution, they could incentivize or encourage teams to sign players early, rather than defending frugality or blaming the players. One potential solution could involve awarding competitive balance picks to teams that demonstrate a willingness to sign players, with specific criteria yet to be determined. This approach could ignite action and generate offseason excitement.
Alternatively, as Turner suggests, everyone can continue to endure frustration. Given the track record of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and the league, it is evident which path they are likely to choose.
According to the Source outkick.com