Simplified: What are the MLB Player Union’s Demands to End the Lockout?

It is over two months since the owners imposed a lockout in MLB. Since then, players and the owners are yet to reach a new agreement. On the other hand, many fans are still unaware and confused about these ongoing negotiations between the two parties. To make it easy for others, Kansas City Royals outfielder Whit Merrifield briefed out the key demands of the players in simple terms.

Everything between the two parties was going smoothly for the new Collective Bargaining Agreement until the owners refused to make any counter offers. With this action, things have changed drastically in the past couple of days. However, players are still clear about their demands and are also open to further negotiation.

Whit Merrifield briefs of the key demands of MLB players

Notably, the MLB owners have refused the counter-offer and requested the MLB Players’ Association to bring a mediator for any further negotiations. However, players have been opposing this treatment by the owners and are still clear on their stand.

However, many baseball fans still don’t understand what the fuss is about with the new agreement. They are confused about the exact demands of each side. When a fan asked Merrifield about the same, he explained it in the simplest terms.

Merrifield elaborated, based on the annual revenue of the league, younger players should get more compensation. The Royals outfielder confessed that they want to fix the service time manipulation.

“Based on the incredible annual revenue of the league, we feel players with 0-3 years of service should be better compensated. We want to fix the competitive balance so EVERY team’s focus is winning year after year. We want to fix service time manipulation,” said Whit Merrifield.

Players’ Association rejects owners’ request for mediation

With lockout still active in the league, the upcoming spring training and the 2022 season hangs in doubt. Even after two months of the work stoppage, players and owners have not agreed on the new CBA Deal. Recently on Friday, MLB owners refused the counterproposal and instead requested the Players’ Association to include a mediator for any further negotiations.

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To which, the MLB Players’ Association declined and said they still stand ready for the negotiation. However, it is still unclear when the lockout will end. And if the upcoming season will start as per the schedule or not.