MLB Rangers LF Ian Desmond likely "will be Exhibit A" in the MLBPA’s case against the current free-agent system in the upcoming labor negotiations, according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY. Desmond signed an $8M deal with the Rangers on Sunday after turning down a seven-year, $107M extension from the Nationals two years ago, and he "concedes that it was a frustrating winter" waiting to reach an agreement with a team. However, he "refuses to be angry at the system, believing that it will be corrected by the time he hits free agency again in a year." Desmond: "It’s clear that something needs to change. I don’t think it’s a matter of should it change. But how it should change." He added, "There are smart enough people in place to make the proper adjustments. I trust they’ll figure it out." Nightengale notes the free agency system "put a whammy" on several players this offseason who "signed for less per season than the original qualifying offer" (USA TODAY, 3/1). Fox’ Jon Morosi said the current system "obviously is going to be a huge topic this spring as the CBA talks start between MLB and the union." Morosi: "It is important to remember 20 players were given the qualifying offer. Three accepted. Three ended up signing for less than the $15.8 million qualifying offer.” MLB Network’s Matt Vasgersian noted the whole system "could change" before the start of the '17 season. But MLB Network’s Bruce Schein said, “It’s got to be around, though, for one more year, because the CBA is up in December” ("High Heat," MLB Network, 2/29).
MORE FACTORS AT WORK: MASNSPORTS.com's Mel Antonen notes Desmond certainly was "hurt by baseball's qualifying offer rule that says a team that signs a free agent has to give up a draft pick to complete the deal." However, that "wasn't the only reason Desmond had a hard time finding a job." Antonen: "His agent didn't read the market properly" (MASNSPORTS.com, 3/1). In DC, Deron Snyder wrote Desmond’s situation "will elicit derision from many folks, who’ll accuse him of being greedy, foolish, spoiled, arrogant and worse." Snyder: "Empathy will be the furthest thought from their mind -- unless it’s sympathy. It’s nearly impossible to feel sorry for someone making $8 million to play baseball for one season. But if anyone qualifies, Desmond does. He had every reason to expect a more lucrative offer in free agency when he declined the Nationals’ extension in 2014" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 2/29).
