MLB sets Dec. 1 deadline for Japanese stars to sign before potential lockout

Major League Baseball has angered the Major League Baseball Players Association and agents by informing them that will they not amend the posting agreement with Nippon Professional Baseball, requiring Japanese free agents to sign by the expected Dec. 1 lockout or they would be ineligible to sign with an MLB team in 2027.

The union sent a memo to agents last week, obtained by USA TODAY Sports, that said MLB on Tuesday denied their request, which was made in August, to extend the tolling period in the NPB posting agreement allowing posted players to sign after the lockout ended. This is direct contrast to the 99-day lockout in 2021 when MLB amended the 45-day negotiating window, and allowed Japanese free agents to sign after the lockout.

MLB confirmed Monday it is not amending its posting agreement.

The MLBPA said it is exploring its options, but informed agents last week to be prepared for a strict deadline for posted players.

This means that the three Japanese players who were posted Sunday, featuring prized infielder Teruaki Sato of the Hanshin Tigers, must sign by Dec. 1 if there's a lockout, instead of the traditional 45-day window. The other two posted players are pitchers Kaima Taira of the Seibu Lions and Hiromi Itoh of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.

The extended window in 2021 for posted players allowed outfielder Seiya Suzuki to sign a five-year, $85 million contract with the Chicago Cubs eight days after the March 10 lockout ended.

Now, Japanese posted players will have less than 30 days to work out a deal.

While all free agents will be permitted to negotiate with all 30 teams beginning at 5 p.m. ET Monday, MLB players who are unsigned before the collective bargaining agreement ends on Dec. 1, still are eligible to sign once the lockout ends.

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