Agent suggests boycott over free agency
NEW YORK — A prominent baseball agent said players are angered over the slow freeagent market and suggested they consider boycotting spring training.
Brodie Van Wagenen, cohead of CAA Baseball, floated the idea in a statement released Friday, less than two weeks before spring training workouts are to start in Florida and Arizona. He also raised the possibility of a collusion grievance, as did another agent, Seth Levinson of Aces.
“The players are upset. No, they are outraged. Players in the midst of long-term contracts are as frustrated as those still seeking employment,” Van Wagenen said. “I would suggest that testing the will of 1,200 alpha males at the pinnacle of their profession is not a good strategy for 30 men who are bound by a much smaller fraternity.”
J.D. Martinez, Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Jake Arrieta, Yu Darvish, Alex Cobb, Greg Holland and Lance Lynn remain among the dozens of unsigned free agents.
“A boycott of spring training may be a starting point, if behavior doesn’t change,” Van Wagenen said. “Players don’t receive their paychecks until the second week of April. Fine them? OK, for how much? Sue them? OK, they’ll see you in court two years from now.”
CAA represents more than 150 baseball players, including Robinson Cano, Yoenis Cespedes, Buster Posey, Shohei Ohtani, Adam Jones, Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard.
Van Wagenen’s free agents this offseason include Todd Frazier.
Spring training workouts begin Feb. 14, but participation is voluntary until the mandatory reporting date on Feb. 24 — the day after major league spring training games are to start.
Large-market teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, are cutting payrolls to get under the $197 million threshold for luxury tax payrolls.
The average salary, according to the players’ association, rose 3.3 percent last year to nearly $4.1 million following an increase of just 0.35 percent in 2016, the lowest rise since 2004. The new collective bargaining agreement, the first since Tony Clark succeeded Michael Weiner as union head, added surtaxes to the competitive-balance tax and additional penalties for high payrolls, including lesser choices in the amateur draft.
Clark issued a statement that did not address a boycott or a grievance.
“For decades free agency has been the cornerstone of baseball’s economic system and has benefited players and the game alike,” he said. “Each time it has been attacked, players, their representatives and the association have united to defend it. That will never change.”
Baseball has enjoyed labor peace since a 7½-month strike in 1994-95 led to the first cancellation of the World Series in 90 years, and the labor contract runs through the 2021 season.
Realmuto loses case for raise; Bour wins
Catcher J.T. Realmuto lost his salary arbitration case against Miami, and first baseman Justin Bour beat the Marlins to leave players with a 3-1 record this year.
Realmuto was given a $2.9 million salary Friday instead of his request for $3.5 million. The decision was made by arbitrators Andrew Strongin, Elizabeth Neumeier and Allen Ponak, who heard arguments Wednesday in Phoenix.
Bour was awarded $3.4 million instead of Miami’s $3 million offer by James Oldham, Steven Wolf and Mark Burstein, who presided over Thursday’s hearing.
Realmuto made $562,500 last year and was eligible for arbitration for the first time after hitting .278 with 17 homers and 65 RBIs.
Bour hit .289 with 25 homers and 83 RBIs last year, when he had a $552,500 salary.
Boston All-Star outfielder Mookie Betts and Arizona pitcher Shelby Miller won the first two cases of the year.
Orioles acquire Susac in trade with Brewers
The Baltimore Orioles acquired backup catcher Andrew Susac from the Milwaukee Brewers for a player to be named or cash.