The MLB Players Association rejected MLB’s request for federal assistance via a mediator, saying in a statement: “The clearest path to a fair and timely agreement is to get back to the table. Players stand ready to negotiate.”
The MLBPA declined the request for a mediator one day after MLB made it. There has been a mixed history of federal mediators’ effectiveness in resolving labor disputes in professional sports leagues.
The union seems to have scoffed at MLB’s latest move. One player told Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY that the mediation request was “a publicity stunt.” Giants pitcher Alex Wood also expressed his disgust on Twitter:
“How can MLB request for there to be a mediator from the Federal Government to help with negotiations when they literally haven’t even done any negotiating up to this point?” Wood wrote. “Asking for a friend.”
As of Friday, there is no set date for the next bargaining session. With negotiations stalled, an on-time spring training is increasingly unlikely.
