Nov 2, 2021; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Will Smith (51) and catcher Travis d’Arnaud (16) celebrate after defeating the Houston Astros in game six of the 2021 World Series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The process was anything but smooth, but the MLB lockout is over.

On Thursday afternoon, the Major League Baseball Players Association agreed to the latest offer from MLB.

One day after they were in a relatively dour mood, the players were upbeat about Thursday’s developments.

There is another key matter which has grabbed the attention of some players. At the time of the MLB lockout, some star players remained unsigned. As soon as the MLB owners vote to officially ratify the agreement, free agency will start again.

A lot changed in a short period of time.

On Wednesday, commissioner Rob Manfred announced that two more series had been canceled after an agreement was not reached. As part of that announcement, Manfred also said that the season would start no earlier than April 14. That’s now moot.

The season will now get underway on April 7. It will also be a full 162 games, with the previously canceled games being made up in doubleheaders. It’s also worth noting that this new collective bargaining agreement lasts for five years. So, come 2027, we could be dealing with this all over again.

But that’s a problem for another day. For now, the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association said it best.

Indeed.

About Michael Dixon

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