Twins owner Joe Pohlad recently said that the club “would not sign” a $30M free agentGetty Images
Twins owner Joe Pohlad’s recent comments saying that they “would not sign” a $30M free agent has the MLBPA “considering filing a formal complaint saying that Pohad’s interview may have violated a reservation of rights clause with the use of media in the collective bargaining agreement,” according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY. Several owners and executives have "created consternation among agents and union officials" by "publicly declaring their intentions to stay out" of the free agent market. Several other execs, such as Giants President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi and Rangers GM Chris Young, have also "publicly declared their intentions to stand pat, just not as explicit as Pohlad." Time will tell "whether these teams are offering honest assessments, or engaging in bargaining tactics" (USA TODAY, 2/25).
JUST NOT HAPPENING: In Minneapolis, La Velle Neal III reported the Twins head into a 2024 season “in which they are the favorites to win the AL Central,” and fans want Pohlad to “capitalize on momentum, push in more chips and buy more players.” But “here's the reality: The Twins warned us all a payroll reduction was coming.” Neal: “To this latest wave of fan angst, I'll say: Get over it.” Roughly half of the teams in baseball “have not added to their 2023 payroll.” Stop “obsessing over payroll” (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 2/25).
