What are the chances we see MLB try to push some gimmick if the lockout goes into the regular season?
posted by u/Radio_TED · 2026-11-06 14:23 UTC
It seems like everyone and their mothers believes that this lockout is going to go into the regular season, potentially robbing a lot of us of games and all that stuff. I'm already prepared for the players info and likenesses to be erased from the web and all that stuff, but I think things can go even further since this lockout looks like it will last longer.
Before the 2021-22 lockout ended, the league was very close to advertising and broadcasting minor league scrimmage games, which looking back would be a horrible watch for anyone wanting some real baseball. I think this time around its almost certain we are going to see scrimmage ball be played and broadcasted and advertised by MLB.
Now imagine the doomsday scenario. Let's say there is no chance a single game is played in 2027. What the hell does the league do to keep money in and fans entertained? Will we see non union minor leaguers (or even replacement players) playing in major league stadiums? I personally believe something like this would be detrimental to the sport and the fans would absolutely hate it. MLB could try to cover up how much it sucks by posting like "JOE JOHN WITH A TWO HOMER GAME FOR THE YANKEES" and expect people to react like omg wow. In reality, nothing like this would work, and the fan turnout, even for the most prominent teams such as the Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Padres ect, would be non-existent. Can't even begin to imagine team broadcasters and coaches participating in these games knowing that they are essentially nothing but a pathetic attempt for a little revenue and to keep people in their jobs. It would be a disgrace to the game in all ways. What do you think?
## Top comments
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2. u/GoBlu323 · 2026-11-06 14:27 UTC
Slow day at the office there champ?
3. u/Radio_TED · 2026-11-06 14:28 UTC
actually yes, subbing a class and the teacher left no plans lol.
4. u/Thorlolita · 2026-11-06 14:35 UTC
Put a movie on
5. u/strosfan1001 · 2026-11-06 14:50 UTC
I think there is a YouTube stream of 2017 Game 5. For educational purposes
6. u/TheSocraticGadfly · 2026-11-06 21:17 UTC
What? You want the OP to teach kids how to, to riff on T Rex, how to "Bang a can, get it on"?
7. u/strosfan1001 · 2026-11-06 21:20 UTC
I guess we could watch a documentary on the dangers of hacking featuring the St Louis Cardinals
8. u/TON618 · 2026-11-06 15:05 UTC
Wish I could purchase shares of the Savannah Bananas because they're about to get a whole lot more viewership.
9. u/mew5175_TheSecond · 2026-11-06 14:31 UTC
I do not anticipate replacement players. I think MLB knows that nobody would be interested in that. Both sides understand that there's a lot of money to be lost if there's no season. There's no way to replace it.
10. u/MAXsnead90 · 2026-11-06 15:25 UTC
Also, the biggest sticking point is the salary cap and owners are already backing off a little on that, even though I don't think either side is seriously negotiating just yet. I think this is a repeat of 2021-2022 with lots of saber rattling and maybe a shorter ST but nothing of true value lost. After all, both sides want the next round of TV/streaming contracts to be as lucrative as possible and that negotiation happens in 2028.
11. u/DrWiggle46 · 2026-11-06 14:48 UTC
Screw giving the mlb anything until they work this out
12. u/DearChicago1876 · 2026-11-06 15:07 UTC
There is no scenario where the entire season gets lost. They’ll be playing in April.
13. u/DickBottalico · 2026-11-06 14:39 UTC
Joe John plays for the Mets, they have a banner for him at Citi Field now
14. u/CubesFan · 2026-11-06 15:07 UTC
There really is no such thing as replacement players in MLB. There are Minor Leaguers, but if they were to go against the Union and play for the Major League team, they are basically quitting baseball when the MLBPA returns.
15. u/Unfair_Importance_37 · 2026-11-06 15:30 UTC
I would watch triple a or a team of each franchises top prospects.
16. u/psarpen77 · 2026-11-06 16:03 UTC
I don’t think we will see meaningful baseball until the second half of May
17. u/TheSocraticGadfly · 2026-11-06 18:59 UTC
Just in time for the Rox to not see meaningful baseball for the rest of the year?
18. u/TheSocraticGadfly · 2026-11-06 18:51 UTC
Gimmick? Like a ghost runner if the game it tied after 7?
19. u/Terrible-Nerve-6819 · 2026-11-06 14:43 UTC
Life will move on...
20. u/Dogwood2312 · 2026-11-06 14:49 UTC
MiLB will continue on as normal (minus players on 40-man rosters or who are signed to minor league contracts, but are still considered active members of the MLBPA). So if they show games, they won’t be scrimmages.