TORONTO — Major League Baseball’s commissioner Rob Manfred recently expressed greater urgency about the ongoing World Series than the impending labor negotiations, which will become crucial as the current Collective Bargaining Agreement nears its expiration after next season.
“My focus is on today’s game and who the victor will be,” Manfred commented to a throng of reporters at Rogers Centre in Toronto. “I’m hoping for a thrilling seven-game series. We have ample time next year to dive into labor discussions.”
As the series unfolds, the tension builds. Los Angeles Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a stellar performance, marking the first complete game in the World Series in a decade. His dominance led the Dodgers to a 5-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays, leveling the series at one game apiece, a significant shift following Game 1’s 11-4 defeat.
The last time a complete game was pitched in the World Series was by Johnny Cueto in 2015, and the Dodgers have gone without this feat since Orel Hershiser’s performances in the 1988 series. There had been a growing belief that complete games had become a relic of the past, but Yamamoto’s back-to-back complete games, including a playoff win against Milwaukee, challenges that notion.
“I’m thrilled about it,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who has faced scrutiny for his quick hooks with starting pitchers. “It’s wonderful to see a starter who can take charge and extend through six, seven, or even nine innings. Yamamoto embodies the traditional pitcher ethos. His hard work and focus are commendable, making it a joy to support him.”
While the excitement of the series prevails, labor relations remain a looming concern. The current Basic Agreement will end on December 1 after the 2026 season, and discussions around implementing a salary cap and achieving competitive balance have emerged as key topics. There are whispers of another potential lockout if negotiations don’t go smoothly.
Tony Clark, the executive director of the MLB Players Association, mentioned prior to Game 1 that he expects collective bargaining efforts to begin in the spring, dismissing concerns about a lockout as premature chatter. “I’m coming into this with an open mind, as always,” Clark stated.
Manfred also addressed other pressing issues on Saturday, including the recent arrests of several individuals linked to gambling scandals, impacting players and coaches from the NBA. “It’s vital we establish systems to monitor the situation and ensure thorough investigations to uphold the sport’s integrity,” he noted.
Additionally, Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz are under scrutiny for unusual conduct occurring in July. Manfred confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with no clear timeframe for its conclusion.
The possibility of MLB players participating in the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics was another topic of discussion. Although baseball returned as an Olympic sport in recent years, participation has been restricted to minor league players and free agents. Manfred emphasized that logistical challenges remain, but discussions with the players’ association are progressing.
The anticipation escalates as the World Series shifts back to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Monday night at Dodgers Stadium, featuring a match-up between veteran Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer and the Dodgers’ Tyler Glasnow.
