MLB agent hints at spring training boycott for free-agent market

Baseball's hot stove has been ice cold, and one of the sport's most prominent agents says the recent behavior of owners "feels coordinated" and warns that a "boycott" may be a starting point.

MLB payrolls could drop for the first time in nearly a decade, according to a Yahoo! Sports report on Friday. Co-head of CAA Baseball Brodie Van Wagenen issued a statement nothing that the behavior of owners during this free-agent market "has changed dramatically."

The Marlins, Orioles, Braves, Pirates and Rays have not signed a free agent this offseason.

"It feels coordinated, rightly or wrongly," said Van Wagenen, who represents Yoenis Cespedes, Jacob deGrom and Tim Tebow. "Many club presidents and general managers with whom we negotiate with are frustrated with the lack of funds to sign the plethora of good players still available, raising further suspicion of institutional influence over the spending. Even the algorithms that have helped determine player salaries in recent years are suggesting dramatically higher values than owners appear willing to spend.

Bottom line, the players are upset. No, they are outraged. Players in the midst of long-term contracts are as frustrated as those still seeking employment. Their voices are getting louder and they are uniting in a way not seen since 1994."

Van Wagenen notes that "a boycott of Spring Training may be a starting piont, if behavior doesn't change."

CAA's free agents include players like Todd Frazier (who is being targeted by the Mets and Yankees), Andrew Cashner, Jason Vargas, Andre Ethier and Chris Young.