According to Ken Rosenthal, the owners will consider locking out the players if a new CBA is not in place by Dec. 1 when the current CBA expires. If Major League Baseball and the Players Association are unable to hammer out an agreement, the sport could have its first work stoppage in 21 years.
Rosenthal explained “a lockout would put baseball’s business on hold, delaying free agent signings and trades until a new agreement is reached.” The Winter Meetings (Dec. 4-8) could still take place but player movement and signings would not happen. Minor League Baseball would be able to hold its job fair and continue its business as usual.