MLB union chief Tony Clark recently voiced his frustration with how last winter’s market played out, particularly the sluggish business for veteran free agents. “What we experienced last offseason was a direct attack on free agency, which has been a bedrock of our economic system,” he said. “If that’s going to continue, then we have some very difficult decisions to make moving forward.”

The union is beginning to formulate a badly needed strategy for the months and years ahead. Sources indicate that Clark and the union leadership have engaged in substantive conversations with agents. This marks a change from how business was conducted before the last Collective Bargaining Agreement. Many agents felt shut out of the process back then. After the final CBA terms were revealed, they believed the lack of dialogue and assessment was a serious mistake.

Now, Clark “is trying” to improve the situation, according to one source. The union expects to restructure its central group, likely adding more legal expertise. Once the new team is in place, they will presumably refine their strategy and priorities.

Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword for the MLB Union

The union leadership should seriously consider how to handle social media. It has the potential to be a powerful tool for the players’ association but also a significant challenge if the association goes to war with MLB in the next round of talks. No major professional sports league has attempted a strike since social media became so ingrained in U.S. culture.

It has been almost a quarter-century since the union conducted a players’ strike, which affected the 1994 World Series and the beginning of the 1995 season. Back then, players were united in their cause, bolstered by intense peer pressure when needed. However, today’s landscape is different, with players voicing their opinions on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Imagine the impact of disgruntled players tweeting about being out of work, missed paychecks, and union leadership decisions. These posts could encourage owners to wait for the union to crumble, exploiting any perceived weaknesses in the players’ united front.

Marvin Miller, the legendary union leader, believed in openness to better educate rank-and-file members. He wanted players to know their peers’ earnings because owners had kept everything secret for decades, using players’ ignorance against them. The union could use social media to inform players, provide messaging, and reinforce arguments. However, a few negative tweets from players could devastate the strategy of Clark and his team.

Addressing Recent Incidents in the MLB Union

The Josh Hader situation highlights the union’s need for a social media strategy. One GM suggested that all new union members should scrub past tweets and posts as a standard procedure.

Clark and the players have a lot to sort through and need to do so quickly, given the leverage the union could possess over issues like tanking teams, the NL adoption of the designated hitter, and rule changes. The players’ association likely will have the opportunity to make up for lost ground long before considering a work stoppage, as long as the union engages.

Education and Preparation for MLB Players

This generation of players, some of whom seemed to embrace the notion of a possible strike in a recent USA Today poll, should be educated on the sacrifices required in any work stoppage. In this era, that might include the suspension of social media posts.

News from Around the Major Leagues

Francisco Mejia: The young catcher acquired by the Padres when they traded lefty Brad Hand and sidearmer Adam Cimber to Cleveland has always hit well in the minor leagues. Moving forward, a key question is whether he can play well enough defensively to remain a catcher or if he will need to shift to another position. Such a shift would greatly mitigate his value.

Zach Britton: Baltimore’s reliever is the most coveted in a trade market lacking experienced, big-time closers. Several contenders are pursuing him, including the Cubs, Astros, Red Sox, Yankees, and Dodgers. Britton’s fastball velocity and movement have improved significantly since the beginning of the month, and he could be traded soon.

Kyle Schwarber: The Cubs’ outfielder estimates taking 30 to 50 swings on an average day but took about 10 times that many in the Home Run Derby, leaving his arms sore. Schwarber lost in the finals to Bryce Harper, who won in front of his home crowd.

Jacob deGrom: The Mets’ pitcher faces speculation about his future as his agent calls for a contract extension or trade. Despite lacking leverage until free agency in 2020, the pressure on the Mets to lock up their star continues to grow.

Mike Shildt: The Cardinals’ interim manager’s first job in baseball was as a clubhouse attendant for the Double-A Charlotte Orioles, where he shined Cal Ripken Jr.’s shoes. His early experiences in baseball taught him the value of hard work and dedication.

Sports Betting Legality in the U.S.

Can you online sports bet in Idaho?
No, online sports betting is not legal in Idaho. The state has strict gambling laws that prohibit most forms of betting, including online sports betting. For more information, visit the Idaho State Government’s website.

Does Idaho allow gambling?
Idaho allows limited forms of gambling, such as state-run lotteries, tribal casinos, and charitable gaming. However, commercial casinos and most other forms of gambling are prohibited. For more details, check out Idaho Lottery’s official site.

Is sports betting legal in Utah?
No, sports betting is not legal in Utah. The state has some of the strictest gambling laws in the country, prohibiting all forms of gambling, including sports betting. More information can be found on the Utah State Legislature’s website.

Is DraftKings legal in Montana?
DraftKings is not fully operational in Montana due to the state’s strict gambling regulations. Montana does allow fantasy sports under specific conditions, but traditional sports betting remains restricted. Learn more from the Montana Department of Justice.

For those looking to make informed sports bets, consider checking out our package with winning picks.

Conclusion

As the MLB union navigates the challenges of free agency and prepares for future negotiations, effective communication and strategy will be crucial. Social media, while a powerful tool, must be managed carefully to maintain a united front. With ongoing developments in the league and the evolving landscape of sports betting, staying informed and prepared is more important than ever.