The MLBPA released a statement today saying that any rumor saying that they have threatened or will threaten a “boycott” of Spring Training is false.
Original Post- Feb.2, 1:42 p.m.
Brodie Van Wagenen, the co-head of CAA baseball agency, tweeted out on Friday afternoon his feelings about the current free agent market situation.
CAA represents a plethora of big name players including Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, Yoenis Cespedes, Buster Posey, Robinson Cano, and Trea Turner.
Eight of the top ten players from MLB Trade Rumors free agent rankings are still on the board with pitchers and catchers less than two weeks away. Think about that, it’s Feb. 2 with names like Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Yu Darvish, J.D. Martinez and Jake Arrieta still available.
Well that doesn’t sit well with Wagenen and here are his thoughts on the stagnant market, “It feels coordinated, rightly or wrongly. Many club Presidents and General Managers with whom we negotiate are frustrated with the lack of funds to sign the plethora of good players still available, raising further suspicion of institutional influence over the spending.”
Last week Jeff Passan of reported that the free agents were considering a spring training camp for all of the players still on the market as baseball gets closer.
Earlier this week, Los Angeles Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen suggested last week that maybe the players need to strike specifically talking about how the Miami Marlins have handled their offseason.
Wagenen expressed how he though many of his clients and players in MLB felt, “There is a rising tide among players for radical change. A fight is brewing. And it may begin with one, maybe two, and perhaps 1,200 willing to follow. A boycott of Spring Training may be a starting point, if behavior doesn’t change.”
Joshua Kusnick, Seth Lugo‘s agent, also tweeted his feelings on the slow market.
