It turns out that it’s not only rabid Minnesota Twins fans who are furious with executive chair vice president Joe Pohlad, the nephew of team owner Jim Pohlad, and effectively the organization’s face at the top level. Now, the MLB Players Association is getting in on the ‘fun’.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the MLBPA is considering filing a formal complaint against Pohlad for “violating a reservation of rights clause with the use of media in the collective bargaining agreement.”
Several owners and executives have also sparked concern among agents and union officials by publicly expressing their intention to exit the free agent market. Minnesota Twins owner Joe Pohlad’s recent comments that they would not sign a $30 million free agent have prompted the union to consider launching a formal complaint, alleging that Pohad’s interview violates a reserve of rights section in the collective bargaining agreement regarding the use of media.
Bob Nightengale | USA Today
Or, in English, the MLBPA is upset with Joe Pohlad for stating that the Twins will not spend $30 million on any individual player remaining in free agency this winter. Here are Pohlad’s original comments from February 21, which we discussed further at the time.
“That said, we aren’t going to spend $30 million on a player right now. So the players out there right now, whom perhaps a lot of fans are talking about, we’re not in the market for them.”
Joe Pohlad on the Minnesota Twins’ free agency approach.
Four days after Pohlad’s comments became public, the Chicago Cubs signed Cody Bellinger to a three-year, $80 million contract. Is it feasible that Scott Boras was using the Twins as leverage, given their history of making last-minute free agent signings? It’s difficult to say.
However, as Nightengale points out, the Twins aren’t the only team that has essentially stated that their organizations will no longer pursue big-game hunting this summer. The San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers have made similar gestures, though not as openly as Pohlad.
There is no indication of what may result from threatening to complain about Pohlad’s words, if anything. However, the MLBPA is dissatisfied with his candour.
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