This could be MLB’s last postseason for a while with a lockout looming, players vowing to fight cap

New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón warned that Major League Baseball could be without a postseason for an extended period if owners maintain their salary cap demands. MLB's five-year labor deal ends on December 1st, and management plans to impose a lockout, halting trades, free-agent signings, and possibly postponing spring training and opening day.

Baseball's owners argue that a cap is necessary to address economic disparities, while players contend that low-revenue teams like Milwaukee and Tampa Bay have recently outperformed high-spending franchises. The union refutes MLB's claims, pointing to the success of Milwaukee and Tampa Bay despite their small payrolls. While this would be MLB's tenth work stoppage, the sport has not missed any regular-season games since the 1994-95 strike.

Players insist they will not accept cap structures similar to those in the NFL, NBA, and NHL, which have been in place since 1994, 1984-85, and 2005-06, respectively.