MLB players react to likely loss of Opening Day

Major League Baseball listed Monday, Feb. 28 as the official deadline for a new collective bargaining agreement if the regular season is going to start on time. No official news has come yet but optimism is in short supply.

For starters, Robert Murray of FanSided reported on Monday that the MLB Players Association has organized a training facility in Arizona if the players continue to be locked out.

Evan Drelich of The Athletic added that a facility in Florida is likely, as well.

It’s hard to think the MLBPA would be doing this if it felt a deal was likely.

Still, that could just be the players association being cautious. Individual players, though, don’t seem any more optimistic.

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper and Atlanta Braves reliever Luke Jackson were among those to make pitches to teams in other, foreign leagues — which is allowed.

New York Yankees outfielder Joey Gallo took a more broad approach.

Other players, such as New York Yankees pitcher Jameson Taillon and Chicago Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman took aim at Major League Baseball.

https://twitter.com/JTaillon50/status/1498381641374474248

San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford tweeted out an article from ESPN’s Jeff Passan. One response was to detail how much money Crawford makes compared to the average person. Crawford responded, pointing out that nothing being negotiated is for the benefit of veteran players like himself.

Chris Cotillo of Masslive.com reported that the negotiations are expected to go into the night and possibly Tuesday morning. With that, it’s possible that an eleventh-hour deal could be struck.

But judging by their actions on Twitter, several players seem to believe that the lockout will continue through at least Opening Day.