Kyle Smedley is a freshman journalism and telecommunications major and writes for The Daily News. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper.
What is the MLB Lockout?
The MLB Lockout is baseball’s latest strike. The MLB and MLBPA (Player’s Association) have come to an agreement on a work stoppage.
This means there will be absolutely no MLB business done during the duration of the Lockout. No free agency signings, no trades, nothing of substance.
Depending on how long this lockout lasts, it could drastically affect the economic profits of the MLB. The possibility is there for the 2022 season to not consist of the normal 162 games.
While that is not likely, the MLB itself cannot afford for its season to be cut short. With this in mind, why should this Lockout be viewed as a good thing in the minds of MLB fans?
First of all, the impending threat of a Lockout forced many big-name free agents to sign with teams in the month of November, kicking the Hot Stove season off with a bang. Guys like Max Scherzer, Robbie Ray, Marcus Semien and Corey Seager have all signed big deals only a month into free agency.
In the past few years, this has not happened. Thanks to agents like Scott Boras, the free agency process has been dragged out so that the players can get the most money possible.
Not only has that tactic backfired for some of the athletes, but it makes for a very boring offseason for MLB fans.
Yes, now that the MLB is in a work stoppage, no deals can be done and it will be a long offseason, but the second thing that makes this a good thing for MLB fans is that it gives them something to talk and debate about.
This Lockout encourages MLB fans to give their two cents on the matter, and it also gives outsiders interest, due to the fact that things like this do not often take place in professional sports. This strike could actually end up bringing in fans rather than losing them.
The final factor that makes this MLB lockout a good thing for fans of America’s Pastime is when the MLBPA decides to reach an agreement with the MLB and baseball returns, the Hot Stove season will pick right back up in full swing and the players will be more motivated than ever.
These players will be motivated to sign quickly and they will be motivated to play hard because the entire premise of this lockout is based on how the MLBPA wants to fight for second or third-tier MLB athletes to get better pay.
These second and third-tier players will, no doubt, play harder so they can earn more money. When everyone plays hard, it makes the sport more fun to watch and makes the games more competitive.
People say baseball is boring, but I truly believe once the lockout is finished, the game will never be more interesting to watch. For good or for bad.
Contact Kyle Smedley on Twitter @smedley1932 or via email at kmsmedley213@gmail.com
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