The prevailing line right now across MLB — a league facing a lockout if a new collective bargaining agreement isn’t signed by Dec. 1 — is that things are business as usual. Everyone involved knows what could be coming, but that’s a bridge they are avoiding until other conditions make it absolutely necessary to cross.
Brian Cashman said despite the lockout lurking over every move this offseason, he has not seen a hesitancy from players or their agents to wait until a new CBA is signed before engaging in contract discussions. While the Yankees GM will not be involved in the labor negotiations (call it “above his pay grade”), he is bullish about the whole situation getting settled.