While in Chicago to announce Wrigley Field as the host of the 2027 All-Star Game, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred minimized the significance of a recent confrontation with Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper regarding future labor negotiations.
“I think more has been made out of this than needs to be made out of it,” Manfred said Friday. “Bryce expressed his views. At the end of the meeting, we shook hands and went our separate ways. Not all that significant.”
The exchange occurred last month when Manfred was meeting with players in the Phillies’ clubhouse. Harper reportedly challenged the commissioner over the potential for a salary cap in the next collective bargaining agreement, which is set to expire after the 2026 season. When asked if the confrontation signaled a deep divide between the league and its players, Manfred disagreed.
“It was an individual picking a particular way to express himself, and I don’t think you need to make more out of it than that,” he responded.
Widespread concern exists that the league may lock out the players following the 2026 season to implement a salary cap system similar to those in the NFL, NBA, and NHL. The MLB Players Association has historically maintained a firm stance against any system that limits player salaries.
Despite the apprehension, Manfred expressed optimism, citing his history in labor relations since joining the league in 1998.
“We haven’t had a work stoppage that affected a season since that time,” Manfred stated. “Three of those deals I was chief negotiator; two of them I was a commissioner. That’s a pretty good record, and I think we can do it again.”
While the last CBA negotiation led to a delayed spring training before the 2022 season, the full 162-game schedule was ultimately played. However, a prevailing sentiment within baseball is that a work stoppage is more likely this time.
“It’s natural that when you get to the end of a collective bargaining agreement, people… have trepidation about what’s going to happen,” Manfred acknowledged. “I’m optimistic we’re going to find a deal.”
A prolonged lockout in 2027 could jeopardize the All-Star Game at Wrigley Field, its first since 1990. Asked about a contingency plan for the event, Manfred was direct.
“My contingency plan,” he said, “is to make an agreement with the players and play the 2027 season.”
Source link
