MLB lockout: Five things to know about the owners' potential lockout of the players
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred speaks with the media prior to Game 1 of the 2026 World Series in Milwaukee. Credit: Getty Images/John Fisher
After the Brewers were crowned World Series champions Wednesday night, the question of when Major League Baseball will return to the field came to the forefront.
The current MLB collective bargaining agreement is set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 1, and all signs are pointing to a lockout as the Major League Baseball Players Association and the owners are not expected to come to an immediate agreement on a new CBA.
Negotiations could get ugly and leak into the 2027 season. Opening Day is set for March 24.
Here are five things to know about a potential lockout:
1. What’s a lockout?
A lockout is initiated by the owners, who are telling the players to stop working. A lockout can be a powerful economic tool. In MLB’s case, it would freeze the entire industry — from free agency to trades to players working out at team facilities and beyond.
2. What is the key issue?
The primary reason a lockout likely will happen involves the debate about a salary cap and floor system.
The owners are in favor of implementing a cap and the union is firmly against it. According to Spotrac’s data on MLB’s 2026 tax payrolls, nine teams — including the Mets and Yankees — were above the proposed $245.3 million cap and 12 teams — including the Brewers — were below the proposed $171.2 million floor.
3. Previous work stoppages
The last lockout began on Dec. 2, 2021, and lasted 99 days. MLB still played a 162-game season, albeit with a shortened spring training and a one-week delayed start. It was the ninth work stoppage in MLB history and fourth lockout.
The other five stoppages were strikes — meaning the players’ union initiated it. The most famous strike began in August 1994, and it led to the cancellation of the remainder of the regular season and the World Series. It lasted more than seven months and led to a 144-game schedule in 1995.
4. The hot stove
Free agency officially begins at 5 p.m. Monday, and it will be fascinating to see how players and teams operate during the month before a potential lockout. Two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal headlines an otherwise weak free-agent class.
5. Will minor league baseball be impacted?
Yes and no. The only minor-league players who would be impacted are those on franchises’ 40-man rosters. The minor leagues have their own CBA.
Ben Dickson is Newsday Sports' general assignment reporter. He joined Newsday’s high school sports staff in 2023 after graduating from Maryland, where he covered several of the Terrapins' teams.
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