MLB, MLBPA Agree on Shift Ban, Pitch Clock and Larger Bases; Players Union Starts $1 Million Worker Fund

Over the weekend, some news came out of the meetings between MLB and MLBPA. Although the news isn’t as big as some hoped, some progress was made. So far, MLB and MLBPA have agreed on implementing a pitch clock, bigger bases, and banning the shift. The three agreements will be implemented in the 2023 season; it would appear.

Players union agreed to allow MLB to ban shifts, implement a pitch clock and make bases larger in 2023, subject to those agreements fitting into a total deal. Union also rejected Robo umps for ‘22/‘23. MLB goal: to be able to streamline the process and add excitement ti the game.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 6, 2022

On top of the agreements, some other news came out this past weekend from MLBPA. It appears that the players union has set up a pool of $1 million for stadium workers and others affected by this long, drawn-out lockout. As of right now, there is no new meeting set between MLB and MLBPA. 

Here is the full statement released by MLBPA and the AFL-CIO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Players launching $1 million fund for workers affected by MLB owners’ lockout@mlbpa | @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/M2UIxPD4lO

— MLBPA Communications (@MLBPA_News) March 4, 2022