Alex Cora and Rob Manfred Push for Free Agent Signing Deadline in MLB

Fort Myers, Florida. Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora agrees with Major League Baseball (MLB) Commissioner Rob Manfred that he would like to see a deadline for signing free agents.

“We need news,†Cora said, speaking on the topic during a team spring training. “The offseason was boring for the business, for the game. There are a lot of good players out there. They should be preparing for this season. Obviously, that’s an important issue for the commissioner and the players’ association, but from my point of view, more action is much better,†she added.

Manfred brought up the topic of the free agent signing deadline earlier this week.

“We would prefer to have a free agent signing period, ideally probably in December with a deadline that would get people to close their deals and get things done. In fact, we made proposals in that regard to the MLBPA. “They were not received warmly,” Manfred said, referring to a mid-agreement proposal in 2019.

There are some big names currently unsigned. Pitchers Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery are looking for a team, and Cody Bellinger and designated hitter JD Martinez are among dozens still in free agency. Also available are Puerto Ricans Eddie Rosario and Enrique “Kiké” Hernández.

Cora knows that the players association is against a deadline, but thinks it would be better to generate enthusiasm for the game.

“I was in the union. I understand your point, but we need something,†he said. “No news is not good for business.†.

MLB locked out players in December 2020 and a labor agreement was not reached until early March 2021, forcing a rush of free agent signings within a few days.

That spring, the Rangers signed free agent shortstop Corey Seager ($325 million, 10 years) and second baseman Marcus Semien ($175 million, seven years).

Last fall they won the first World Series in franchise history.

2024-02-16 21:54:51
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