Baseball union to run free agent camp

NEW YORK • The baseball players union will open its own spring training camp for the first time since the end of the 1994-95 strike, inviting free agents to work out at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

Union head Tony Clark said Thursday the camp will open Tuesday and workouts will start the following day under Bo Porter, the Houston Astros’ manager in 2013-14.

Thecampisscheduledto run through March 4, and the union has the option to extend the camp through the end of the month.

More than 100 players who exercised their right to become free agents last November are without final agreements. Teams start spring training workouts next Wednesday.

Agent Scott Boras represents 15 free agents seeking jobs, a group that includes J.D. Martinez, Mike Moustakas, Eric Hosmer and Jake Arrieta. His company has its own training facilities in Miami and Newport Beach, Calif., and he is not sure whether his clients will work out at his facilities or IMG.

“They certainly will have the option to use either,” he said.

The union sent an email to agents announcing the decision.

The camp will be open to the players who became free agents under Article XXB of the sport’s collective bargaining agreement, the most prominent group on the market.

The location is a major league-calibre site, with a trainer and strength and conditioning co-ordinator, the union said.

Personal trainers will not be allowed inside the facility.

Players will be provided workout gear and the union is arranging liability insurance, travel and housing.

Players will be given per diems.

They are to bring their own bats and shoes.