This deal could accelerate the decline in profitability of mid-level players – solid veterans whose production could possibly be replaced by a newcomer. There are always unintended consequences. But there seem to be some aspects that are sure to make the game better.
Teams often keep the best prospects in the minors in an attempt to squeeze an extra year of service out of them before they become free agents. Now, if a player is in the top two in Rookie of the Year voting, they will receive a full year of service regardless of when they were promoted. It’s honest. As well as limits on the number of options a player can choose during the season and a $50 million merit-based bonus pool to be distributed to players not yet eligible for arbitration.
The owners pushed for an international draft, a difficult issue that was vehemently opposed by several Hispanic players such as San Diego shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. It took some time, but the league prudently agreed to allow the union to study the topic and make a decision by the end of July, tying its adoption to the cancellation of the qualifying offer, the restriction of freedom of action.
Perhaps most encouraging, the creation in 2023 of a joint committee of four active players, an umpire and six MLB-selected individuals to review rule changes such as increased bases, pitching hours, infield changes, and auto hitting zone. The committee can decide to change the rules and implement it within 45 days – again, a reasonable decision that gives players a say in the rules of their workplace.
There are other logical features, such as a universal designated hitter (no one wants their favorite pitcher to hurt himself by swinging a bat or running around the bases) and a lottery for the top six picks in the draft, so the same team cannot guarantee themselves the best. choice. remaining lousy for several years.
Uniform ads are gaudy and we’ll have to see how the expanded playoff field plays out in practice; hence 12 teams seems like too many. But if it all comes together to make the game better, the causticity was worth it. The league and the players gave themselves a chance to restore baseball’s credibility in the national consciousness. Please don’t blow it up.