Former Major League Baseball stars expressed significant apprehension regarding the potential for a league-wide work stoppage.
The current labor contract is set to expire on Dec. 1, leading many to fear a prolonged lockout that could disrupt the upcoming season, according to reports from USA Today.
Johnny Damon, speaking at the “Weekend with Papi” Celebrity Golf Classic, suggested that a stoppage could extend well into the summer months.
“What I’m hearing right now is like August,” Damon said, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
The event, held at PGA National, raised funds for the David Ortiz Children’s Fund, a charity founded by the Hall of Famer.
The primary point of contention in current negotiations involves the owners’ push for a salary cap and floor, while players are seeking expanded free agency and arbitration rights.
Former Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia warned that a lockout would ultimately damage the sport.
“I think it will hurt baseball if they have a lockout,” Saltalamacchia noted, as documented by The Palm Beach Post.
Hall of Famer Barry Larkin reflected on the 1994 work stoppage, noting that while the game is resilient, he hopes current leadership avoids a similar outcome.
“I’d hate to see the game go through something like that again,” Larkin said, according to Yahoo Sports.
David Ortiz, who won three World Series titles with the Boston Red Sox, as detailed in team data archives, remained hopeful for a swift resolution.
“Hopefully, they don’t have a lockout,” Ortiz stated, per The Palm Beach Post.
The former players emphasized that the sport’s long-term health depends on the ability of both sides to reach a fair agreement before the deadline.
As the Dec. 1 expiration date approaches, the baseball community continues to watch the negotiations with increasing anxiety.