February 2nd, 2019 at 8:00 am 
by Ron Cervenka What if March 28 – MLB’s Opening Day – rolls around and free agents Bryce Harper and / or Manny Machado are still unsigned, along with Craig Kimbrel, Dallas Keuchel and (as of this writing) the 121 other remaining unsigned free agents?
Realistically, it probably will not happen with Harper, Machado, Kimbrel and Keuchel. But it could – and probably will – happen with a good many of the other still unsigned free agents.
Rarely does a day go by without Major League Baseball (MLB) and / or the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) pointing fingers at one another as the reason why so many free agents are still unsigned. And while it is entirely up to each individual fan to choose which side they stand behind or agree with, in the very simplest of terms, life will go on whether these (already multimillionaire) top four free agents sign or do not sign before – or after – March 28.
Granted, this may come across as sounding cold or heartless, but the simple truth is that when the average adjusted gross annual household income in the United States is roughly $62,000, bickering over an additional $15 to $20 million per year on top of proposed multiyear contracts with Average Annual Values (AAV) already in the $25 million range, most baseball fans shake their head in disgust.
Oh sure, the counterpoint to this argument is that the average revenue and operating income (i.e., earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) for all 30 MLB teams was $315 million and $29 million respectively. But when Messrs. Harper and Machado (through their agents) are refusing contracts that rival this $315 million average annual revenue figure, it is simply incomprehensible for baseball fans. I mean, can a person even spend $15 to $20 million in a year? (Before you blurt out “I could!” think carefully – and honestly – about that.)
Although no one wants to come right out and say it, when you have two of the strongest (and wealthiest) organizations in the world butting heads, it is difficult not to foresee another work stoppage (i.e., baseball strike) on the horizon.
The good news is that the current MLB / MLBPA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) doesn’t expire until December 2021.
The bad news is that, although not imminent, a major fight between MLB and the MLBPA is definitely brewing.
Stay tuned…
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First and foremost, MLB IS A BUSINESS.
As long as we live in a capitalistic society, I don’t begrudge either the players for trying to get the biggest contract or the teams/owners for trying to get the smallest contract.
Because capitalism is aligned with human nature, it may be the worst economic system, except for all the others.
“The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries”….Winston Churchill
A weird off season for sure. The problem is that Manny and Bryce set off to grab the largest contracts in the history of the sport and decided that waiting it out is advantageous to their position because a particular agent had some success with such a strategy in the past. The problem is, the WAR number for Bryce don’t support his own view as to how valuable he is. Manny was above average, but not elite as a shortstop and was underwhelming hitting away from cozy Camden yards and did some stupid stuff in the post season. So holding out for the largest contract was a pipe dream for both. Now, they will have to settle for a large payday, but not as large as they expected. Now, they’re being stubborn and the Padres came along late. Who really believes that those two stars should even consider signing with the Padres? Do you think either one of them had dreams of playing for the Padres even in their lives? So, now it’s just greed that’s motivating them? Sign a freaking contract already! You’re had plenty of time, take a contract from a team you want to play for and end this already. Kimbrel, same thing. Thinking he’s gonna get 20 mil x 5? Screw him, sign a contract already. Try again next year when you’re less stupid and less greedy. This is a horrible look for the players. Grab a 5 year deal you idiots! Kembrel, be happy with 3.
Players demand more than they’re worth, teams individually decide to stop doing that, MLBPA calls that collusion.
Good article, it’s nice to have someone print what many of us are thinking. For the money they’re already making I’d like to see players just sign with teams they want to play for, even if the money is less. And btw, if you sign for less money doesn’t that give your team the ability to get another player that might help your team win?
I’m starting to wonder or worry about WHERE these top free Agents are going to finally sign, IF NOT with the Dodgers. The further it is from the NL West the better, in my opinion. I really think this could have an effect on where the Dodgers finish after, at least, the 162 game mark.
I believe that you missed the point and reason for this article entirely, Joe.
As I’ve said several times, the 2019 Dodgers team as it stands right now is a 90+ win team. Both Andrew Friedman and Dave Roberts pretty much all but said that what we see right now is probably what we are going to get on Opening Day. Friedman would not go into any discussions that they might be having with available free agents, but by every indication, your wish/hope/dream of the Dodgers landing Realmuto, Machado or Harper (probably) isn’t going to happen.
I fully get that you do not follow the Dodgers minor league teams and that you have no idea what’s down on the farm and/or how close these kids are to being MLB-ready. But when they finally do arrive, I think that your wish/hope/dream of the Dodgers acquiring MLB-experienced players like Realmuto, Machado or Harper that you so desperately want (even if it means trading away these very prospects) will quickly pass once you see just how good these kids really are – especially Keibert Ruiz and Gavin Lux.
…kind of like you did when Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger and Max Muncy arrived.
I’ve pretty much resigned to the fact that we probably will not end up with any of the FAs, nor Realmuto and I’m trusting you are right about Ruiz and other prospects.
I’m just saying I think where guys like Machado, Harper & Realmuto end up should have a direct effect on the Dodgers’ success in 2019.
You may be right about them having an effect on the Dodgers’ success in 2019. Just remember, it may not be a bad effect. They could have their best games against the other NL west teams or be instrumental in knocking out the more dangerous team in the post-season.
I think Ron is right and I’m fine with that. Machado’s a punk. I have as much desire to see him back in Dodger Blue as I have to see Bummer in our rotation. Harper’s a fine player, but we already have a pretty good outfield. Realmuto would be nice to have, but not for the price it would require. I’m OK with starting the season with the catching we already have.
Bob, and of course ya share my late brother’s name, it looks like we will be seeing the team as it stands now, barring anything that makes Dodgers feel that it’s a deal or signing to good to pass up. And no matter what, we do have an untouchable list of players that will not or should not be even considered FOR ANY DEAL whatsoever! These players are Bellinger, Ruiz, Buehler, May. If you can think of more to be put on this list go ahead if I missed someone.
PaulDodgerFan1965
I think we MUST add Corey Seager to your list. Additionally, I’d also for sure add Urias and probably Lux, Verdugo and Ferguson and maybe even Gonsolin and Santana.
I admit my probables and maybes aren’t totally untouchable , but could be the “next untouchables”.
The future looks bright.