Manfred Pushes MLB Free-Agent Signing Deadline, Calls Union Miscalculation

Major League Baseball’s offseason might be in for a shake-up. Commissioner Rob Manfred has once again floated the idea of a free-agent signing deadline, and the topic’s already sparking debate between the league and the players’ union.

MLB sees a chance to grab attention during a slower part of the sports year and fire up fans. On the other side, players and agents warn that a new deadline could fundamentally change how free agency works. So, what exactly is on the table, and why’s everyone talking?

Manfred’s Vision for a Concentrated Offseason

On WFAN radio recently, Manfred doubled down on his belief that a set free-agent signing window could be a big win for baseball. He wants more visibility and momentum—two things MLB often loses once the World Series wraps up.

He thinks a concentrated signing period, maybe in December, would give MLB a rare chance to dominate a quiet stretch on the sports calendar. With less competition from other major events, the league could turn free agency into something fans actually look forward to.

Why December Matters to MLB

December stands out to Manfred as a month where baseball can grab headlines. He’s convinced that a bunch of signings in that window could boost fan engagement and revenue in a real way.

Potential benefits MLB sees include:

Immediate Pushback From Players and Agents

The players’ side fired back almost immediately. The MLB Players Association sees a free-agent deadline as a threat to the balance of the marketplace.

MLBPA executive director Tony Clark didn’t hold back, calling the idea a “self-defeating miscalculation of massive proportions.” He argued that the current system has brought labor stability and uninterrupted seasons—things that might be at risk if the league adds artificial constraints.

Concerns About Suppressed Market Value

Agents are worried too, especially about teams waiting out players. Scott Boras, who represents stars like Cody Bellinger and Alex Bregman, has made his opposition pretty clear.

Boras says deadlines don’t create urgency—they kill competition. With a smaller negotiating window, teams could coordinate their spending, which could leave players with fewer options and worse offers.

Is There Any Middle Ground?

Not every agent hates the idea completely. Joel Wolfe of Wasserman pointed out that deadlines can work in some cases, like the posting system for Japanese players entering MLB.

Still, Wolfe warned that those systems have strict rules, and without similar protections, MLB teams could use a free-agent deadline against unsigned players.

Manfred’s Rebuttal to Salary Fears

Manfred pushed back on the idea that a deadline would mean lower salaries. He said both sides have smart negotiators who can keep things fair.

But that argument didn’t convince everyone. Oakland A’s outfielder Brent Rooker even questioned the idea on social media, asking how signing earlier in the winter actually helps fans enjoy the game more.

What This Means for the Next CBA

Manfred called the debate a preview of the next round of labor negotiations. The current collective bargaining agreement expires this December and it covers play through the 2027 season.

The commissioner seems determined to bring up the free-agent deadline proposal again during those talks. Whether anyone actually gets behind it—or if it just turns into another sticking point—is honestly up in the air.

At its core, the debate is about balance: MLB wants the offseason to matter and create buzz, but players want to keep the open market that helps them earn more. As negotiations get closer, this topic could easily become one of the big labor fights of baseball’s next era.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Manfred stumps for MLB free-agent signing deadline, a ‘miscalculation’ to union