The MLB still has two 40-man rosters worth of unsigned free agents, and New York Yankees veteran J.A. Happ doesn’t like what’s happening.
The MLB free-agent market is currently colder than Adam Levine performing a CFL half-time show. New York Yankees starter J.A. Happ doesn’t understand why.
The New York Post’s Greg Joyce asked Happ about the free-agent situation, and the 36-year-old had plenty to say:
“It is surprising. It’s surprising and it’s disappointing. I know we’re working on ways to change this, but it’s frustrating for sure to see all the quality guys out there that can help teams win not being signed this close to spring. It’s a bummer.”
With less than a week remaining before spring training, more than 80 free agents are still looking for teams. Two of those team-less free agents are superstars Bryce Harper and Manny Machado.
Happ signed a two-year, $34 million contract with the Yankees in December, including a performance-based option for a third year. He came to New York as a trade-deadline acquisition in 2018.
The Illinois native’s rotation mate, CC Sabathia, has also chimed in regarding the free-agent issue.
“I have no answers, he said on his R2C2 podcast. “I just think it’s f—ing nuts.”
The 2017-2018 offseason was much the same. Red Sox slugger J.D. Martinez didn’t sign until the end of February.
Consequently, tensions are rising between the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) and the MLB owners.
The current collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1, 2021; if the owners don’t start spending their money in free agency over the next two offseasons, a strike could be imminent.
Many Yankees fans (like me) want the team to win the 2019 World Series without Harper or Machado. But if it will help keep baseball on TV, maybe it’s time for Hal Steinbrenner to open his bank account.
Come on, Hal. Build a super team for the good of the game.
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