(New York) Before being likely locked out, major league baseball players went to checkout on Wednesday as teams untied the purse strings like never before.
The clubs have awarded contracts totaling a record $ 1.4 billion for a single day.
This, a few hours before the planned triggering of a lockout after 11:59 p.m., when the collective agreement expires.
Six nine-figure contracts were awarded, including two by the Rangers, to Corey Seager and Marcus Semien.
The Tigers have hired Javier Báez, Mets Max Scherzer, Jays Kevin Gausman and Twins Byron Buxton, among several deals.
It was the first time that teams, in total, spent over $ 1 billion in a single day.
“There’s something nice about it,” Scherzer said. Seeing everyone sign at the same time, seeing teams spend to win like that, it’s refreshing.
“During the last dead seasons, things were not moving. ”
The union and the league are probably headed for a labor dispute.
Players and teams may have feared the chaos of a short period of autonomy in the spring, should the lockout drag on.
Teams will likely not be able to communicate with players during a lockout.
However, big names remain available such as shortstop Carlos Correa, first baseman Freddie Freeman, third baseman Kris Bryant, shortstop Trevor Story and outfielder Nick Castellanos.
These free agents and others may have to wait until the spring or later to find a club.