Major League Baseball officially locked out its Players Association for the first time since 1990 early today after the two sides couldn’t reach an agreement on a new labor deal. Commissioner Rob Manfred released a letter saying he’s disappointed but the goal is to protect the upcoming season. During the lockout, team officials and players will not be allowed to communicate. It’s the ninth work stoppage in total for major league baseball.
The Chicago Cubs are adding a new pitching ace. Marcus Stroman has agreed to a three-year contract worth 71 million dollars with the Chicago Cubs. The deal does include an opt out after the second season. The 30-year-old right-hander recorded a 3.02 earned run average and 158 strikeouts in 179 innings last season with the New York Mets.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are bringing back their All-Star utility man. The Athletic reports Los Angeles is signing Chris Taylor to a four-year deal, worth 60-million dollars. It also includes a fifth year option to could raise the total to 73-million. The 31-year-old was named an All-Star last season after he hit .254 with 20 home runs and 73 RBI. The Dodgers had offered Taylor the qualifying offer earlier this offseason, but he turned it down to sign a long-term deal.