As both the owners and players continue their talks on a new collective bargaining agreement, one of the main issues brought up was adding a 26th roster spot. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported on the possible change which included adding a 26th man to the everyday roster of a team.
One extra player could make all the difference for a team, especially in an extra-inning situation. This also helps to eliminate the “taxi squad,” for situations when a player or two needs to be brought up just in case someone else is unable to go.
Adding the 26th man also gives opportunity to those who may have been overlooked in the minors previously. Whether it be carrying that one player who can hit but cannot field, or that one extra lefty specialist in the bullpen, that extra player can be quite beneficial.
It also gives the opportunity for a team to carry a player who can purely be used for pinch running situations in tight games. That extra player opens up so many possibilities.
On the flip side of things, it is believed that if MLB goes this route that they may indeed bring stricter regulations to September call-ups. Something that to me anyway is much needed.
The 40-man roster in September seems odd at times. You’ll have some teams playing with 30 players and other teams like the Mets who packed their active roster with 38 players. Some players get called up and never even see an at-bat for the entire month.
The current CBA is set to expire on December 1, and there are reports of progress between the two sides but nothing appears imminent at this time. What are your thoughts on adding the 26th man to the everyday roster for each team?
