Monday was supposed to be MLB’s self-imposed deadline to reach a deal with the players union or else the league would start canceling games. And barring a miraculous agreement, most expect the two sides to miss the deadline and for the lockout to continue.
The unwillingness from league ownership to make even minuscule concessions in the negotiations understandably has players across the league frustrated. The players want to play baseball, and apparently, reigning National League MVP Bryce Harper would be fine with taking his talents overseas for the time being.
As the players union and league ownership continued their talks in Jupiter, Fla., Harper posted on Instagram with a message to the Nippon Professional Baseball Central League’s Yomiuri Giants. He wanted them to know that he could be available this spring. Give him a call.
MLB players have been quite active on social media today. Here’s Bryce Harper: pic.twitter.com/HicvVhOZcU
— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) February 28, 2022
He mentioned the Tokyo club’s Instagram handle and added, “I know you got @borascorp number. Let’s talk.”
While Harper could have been joking or just showing his frustration with the lockout, MLBPA has said that players could go overseas if the lockout cuts into the regular season. The players union said it would challenge any attempts from MLB to prevent players from playing internationally. So, Harper has the cover to go for it if he really wanted to.
From the work stoppage guide distributed to player agents before the lockout… https://t.co/xbIJVrhOxY pic.twitter.com/p9rPeVacOB
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 28, 2022
Plus, let’s be honest: It would be pretty incredible to watch Prime Bryce Harper play in the Japanese league. MLB fans would definitely find a way to watch that.
Of course, this could all be avoided if the owners wanted to negotiate in good faith, but they’ve made it clear that’s not what they’re about.
