Sources: Players may have noted sports lawyer Kessler lead grievance

NEW YORK» The baseball players’ association has discussed hiring noted sports lawyer Jeffrey Kessler to litigate a contemplated grievance against clubs accusing Commissioner Rob Manfred and management of failing to act in good faith to complete the longest season economically feasible.

A grievance has not yet been filed, several people familiar with the conversations said.

In divisive talks reminiscent of baseball’s eight work stoppages from 1972-95, the sides failed to reach an economic agreement last month.

Kessler was a leading lawyer retained by the NFL Players Association in the Freeman McNeil lawsuit that led to a jury in 1992 striking down the NFL’s limited free agency system.

Puig, Braves reach one-year deal. ATLANTA» Free agent outfielder Yasiel Puig and the Atlanta Braves have agreed to a one-year deal, a person with knowledge of the deal said.

Puig hit a combined .267 with 24 homers and 84 RBIs for Cincinnati and Cleveland in 2019. He also stole 19 bases.

The 29-year-old Puig was the last big-name free agent who had not signed with a team.

About 10 MLB umpires opt out over virus concerns. About 10 MLB umpires have opted out this season, choosing not to work games in the shortened schedule because of concerns over the coronavirus, two people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.

There are 76 full-time MLB umpires and more than 20 of them are age 55 or over. Joe West and Gerry Davis are the oldest umps at 67.

Umpires who are deemed at risk — either for their age, health situation or other issues — and opt out will continue to get paid.