Though rumors have swirled for weeks regarding their targeting of a number of potential big name free agents, the San Francisco Giants have been quiet at the outset of the hot-stove season.
Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow joined Murph and Mac on Tuesday morning and gave his two cents on why that is, explaining that teams and players are waiting to see if a new collective bargaining agreement is going to be signed on December 1 before making any big moves.
“I think a lot of it has to do with the basic agreement,” Krukow said. “Their going hard right now trying to get this basic agreement done before December 1, that’s when it runs out. I think a lot of guys are waiting to see if it does indeed get done, it’s going to change some of the rankings of the A, B and C player. Changes to whether or not a team gets a draft pick if one of their free agents get signed by your team. I just think there’s a little wait and see.”
A new collective bargaining agreement would also mean a potential change in the luxury tax threshold. The luxury tax threshold is the amount of money teams are allowed to pay players before having to pay a tax, escalating from 17.5 per cent to 50 per cent on any overage. The number is currently set at $189 million, but teams like the Giants who are looking to add one or maybe even two high-priced free agents, will want to know what the new number is going to be before breaking the bank.
If no agreement is reached by Dec. 1, the terms of the current agreement would remain in place.
“I think you’re going to see much more action after the 1st of December,” Krukow concluded. “If it doesn’t get signed, they’re still going to maintain the current basic agreement status quo, but they’re really grinding right now to get that thing done. I think a lot of teams and a lot of players are kind’ve waiting for that date.”
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has stated that he is “optimistic” a new deal will be reached.
Listen to the full interview below.
