MLB, Players Agree on Universal DH, Draft Pick Compensation

It was made clear at the beginning of the week that MLB commissioner Rob Manfred will hold a press conference and address the media. Many wondered what Manfred would say, but the consensus was that it probably would be expected answers, and nothing new would be learned. Although nothing too crazy was said, Manfred did say that both MLB and the players have agreed on two things. 

The first was a no-brainer, and that is the universal designated hitter. We saw the universal DH implemented in the shortened 2020 season, and for Pirates fans’ you now have a decision to make, do you make Yoshi Tsutsugo your DH, or do you look at other options? Tsutsugo would make the most sense, but only time will tell. 

The next thing both the league and players agreed upon was eliminating draft pick compensation. For those of you that don’t understand the draft pick compensation, here is the overview of the rule implemented in the 2012-2016 CBA and then re-affirmed in 2017-2021 CBA.

Rob Manfred says the owners have officially accepted a universal DH while eliminating draft compensation for draft picks.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 10, 2022

Progress is progress, and you can look at this press conference as a little glimmer of hope.

A lot still needs to be done, and from the reporting recently on CBA talks, the sides still seem far apart on major issues. Sure they agreed on some simple things like the DH, but it seems like the distance between the sides is as wide as Pennsylvania when it comes to other major core issues.