MLBPA Taking Into Consideration Filling A Grievance Against Twins After “$30 Million Expenditure” Comment

Joe Pohlad, the executive chair of the Minnesota Twins, stated on the radio that the Twins would not be major players for any of the notable free agents that were still available. The MLB Players’ Association is furious with him for exactly how he stated it, and they may file a grievance.

MLBPA Taking Into Consideration Filling A Grievance Against Twins After “$30 Million Expenditure” Comment

An official complaint from the MLB Players Association alleging that Pohlad “violated a reservation of rights clause with the use of media in the collective bargaining agreement” may stem from a remark Pohlad made in an interview with Jason DeRusha of WCCO-AM Radio. This is according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.

“We’re not going to go out and spend $30 million on a player right now,” he said. “The players that are out there right now that probably a bunch of fans are talking about, we are not in the market for those players.”

Pohlad didn’t specifically name any players, but the very fact that he brought up money and frugal spending is a violation of the CBA.

Pohlad’s remarks are unsurprising considering how the Twins’ lack of investing throughout the winter has negatively impacted the team. The team informed us back in November that they would not be raising payroll due to an unidentified broadcast income issue.

The players do not want to hear it directly from the coach or to have it reported in the media, despite the fact that these remarks just reflect the team’s conduct during the last few months.

At the time, lefties Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, outfielder Cody Bellinger (who re-upped with the Chicago Cubs on Sunday), and third baseman Matt Chapman were the top four remaining free agents, although Pohlad did not name any players by name. However, Pohlad’s remarks could have gone against the following media usage provision, which can be found on page 329 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement for 2022–2026.

The CBA further notes that “The Office of the Commissioner or the Players Association shall promptly investigate an alleged violation of this agreement upon receipt of a written complaint from the other bargaining party.” Obviously no such investigation can or will take place until (and if) the MLBPA files a formal complaint. Should Pohlad be found to have violated the above terms, the CBA notes that “the Panel may award appropriate relief to remedy the violation.”

 

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