MLB sends memo to owners, executives outlining how they should act, operate during upcoming lockout

The Major League Baseball (MLB) released a 34-page memo to owners and executives on October 1 in preparation for the upcoming lockout, as reported by The Athletic. The memo outlined specific actions and operations teams and executives should follow during the lockout, which prohibits any business discussions between players and team executives.

This means players and executives won't be able to converse while there's no new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in place, as is expected to happen again this time. The memo discouraged sending holiday cards to players unless they're sent before the lockout. While team executives can attend player weddings during the offseason, they cannot discuss business with players there.

If they encounter a player unexpectedly, they are permitted to be cordial. Additionally, the league's website will once again remove videos and player images during the lockout, including altering articles and headlines. This approach was taken during the 2021 lockout as well. MLB executives were instructed to communicate that they expect the 2027 season to proceed as planned, and to inform season-ticket holders that they will be credited or refunded if games are canceled.

Despite the ominous nature of the memo, the league's primary goal is to "exhaust every realistic option to achieve our goal of reaching an agreement with the Players Association." However, the likelihood of a deal being reached before the current CBA expires on December 1 appears slim, and both sides are expected to engage in a lengthy and contentious negotiation that could span months after the current CBA ends.