MLB: Labor Strike Could Be Real Possibility After 2021 Season

Slow offseason starting to give momentum towards a potential MLB Labor Strike in the next few years that could affect White Sox rebuilding efforts.

Bryce Harper and Manny Machado remain unsigned along with many other free agents as Spring Training has begun. With the slow-moving offseason, momentum towards an MLB Labor Strike continues to get stronger.

Many players around the game have become more vocal over the past few weeks with their thoughts on the current labor market in MLB. With Harper and Machado still without a team as Spring Training has started, it doesn’t appear players will remain silent with their thoughts about the offseason.

Adam Wainwright and Joey Votto both spoke about the current labor market and the thoughts of a potential labor strike after the current collective bargaining agreement expires on Dec. 1, 2021. Wainwright, the starting pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals certainly believes a labor strike is a certainty unless something changes.

"“You have to realize that this is about winning. If Bryce Harper wants 10 years and he’s 26 years old, is anyone saying that he’s going to have 10 MVPs? No, but he might have three or four in there … He’s going to be a dynamic player. The same can be said about Manny Machado. These guys are superstar players.” Adam Wainwright"

Wainwright hinted at the stark possibility of a midseason strike this season but hopes that doesn’t happen. For Wainwright, and many other players, the lack of signings for Harper and Machado has given rise to the momentum of a possible MLB labor strike.

While interested teams such as the White Sox haven’t reportedly offered contracts of 10 years to either Harper or Machado, Votto of the Cincinnati Reds is proud that each player is holding their ground. Votto mentioned if there is a player strike after the current CBA expires, he might go backpacking in Europe and find himself.

"“I can’t imagine we won’t find common ground,” Votto said. “I think both sides feel like there is too much to lose. I think there’s just too much to lose. That doesn’t mean that we won’t stand our ground. I would imagine plenty of players feel strongly enough to make sure that we get what is fair.” Joey Votto"

A player strike won’t be good for fans of baseball, players or owners. After the strike from midseason 1994 into 1995 that canceled the 1994 World Series, it took a few years for fans to become truly invested in MLB again. The players do have legitimate gripes with the current CBA and what owners are doing in suppressing salaries.

If an agreement to a new CBA isn’t made that satisfies everyone, the start to the 2022 season could be delayed. For the sake of White Sox fans and MLB fans everywhere, hopefully, there isn’t a strike as the true losers will be the people that attend games or watch on television.