If the MLB enters its impending lockout, the landscape of Major League Baseball will obviously be affected in brutal fashion. Among the uncertainty, there is a crucial nugget to consider when watching all these teams call up their prospects. They take a risk in making their roster moves for the future.
How the Lockout Would Affect MLB Prospects
In the case of a lockout, which would begin on December 1, players on the 40-man roster will be unable to partake in any team-related activities. Now, is that the worst thing? Probably not, or at least, not in the short term. If the lockout goes well into next spring and beyond, MLB players, especially young players, will get behind the 8-ball with no team development underway.
The question I had asked was: Can a 40-man rostered player hop down to the minors for fun and work with the MiLB coaches? The answer I frankly found was, no, absolutely not.
In the case that any MLB team calls up a prospect, they are gambling on the chance that the player is locked out beyond December 1. You are ensuring they cannot develop in the minors as a member of the 40-man roster. Teams pay the price every day the MLB remains in limbo with its CBA negotiations.
All Affected Nationals Prospects
Jackson Kent, Yohandy Morales, and Jared Simpson are the most recently affected Nationals, as they have been called up recently. Since they came up to D.C., their contracts are designated for the 40-man roster. There is nothing the Nationals can do. They will be stuck in limbo.
The case I really want to touch on regards star shortstop, Seaver King. He bats .315 in the MiLB season and currently ranks 3rd in OPS across the International League (Triple-A). King is batting .307 since July 1 with an OPS over .1000. He is an absolute weapon with zero reason other than the stated to keep him down.
On a recent guest appearance on 106.7 The Fan, Paul Toboni addressed the questions about a King call-up. "He's close. Can't tell you for sure what will happen in the next few weeks," Toboni stated. Fans clamor for the call-up, but others understand the gravity of the roster move.
Labeled as such an immense upcoming star that King is becoming, it may be smart to keep him off the 40-man roster. We know the kid is good. There might not be as vital a reason to make him debut in the MLB. Toboni may know he has the goods, and instead of risking lockout, he keeps King in Rochester.
If King does not get the promotion, he will not be barred from MLB activities since he is not a part of them. The MiLB has its own CBA. Any player not promoted to the MLB is not subject to the MLB's CBA, which will be expiring, but King can keep on using the Rochester facilities indefinitely.
After reviewing the facts of this matter, I believe it is wise to keep King in the minors. The MLB might easily be locked out until 2027. Many rumors confirm fears that there will not even be a 2027 season. Why risk a greater penalty to a proven player?
It is a dicey subject that surely will fuel debate. Let me hear about it on X — @TCarelliTakes.
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