Just a few days after ripping MLB for its “broken” system amid one of the worst free agency offseasons we’ve ever seen, Justin Verlander has more to say.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Verlander lashed out at teams for “hiding behind this rebuilding mantra.”
.@JustinVerlander on free agency: "I definitely think there's an issue..A lot of teams are hiding behind this rebuilding mantra..You talk about attendance. Who wants to come see some of these teams?..If I was a fan of some of these teams I'd be pretty upset." #Astros pic.twitter.com/YalmNum4jf
— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) February 14, 2019
No lies detected.
Truly, what has transpired this offseason is baffling. Spring training is here, yet two of the game’s biggest stars are still at home twiddling their thumbs waiting for a suitable offer to come in.
In a league where there is no salary cap, it’s really a stunning turn of events. Bryce Harper and Manny Machado were both expected to be pursued like the last belle of the ball by anxious suitors with deep pockets. That has not happened.
And it’s not just about Harper and Machado. There are still over 100 free agents who are unsigned at this time. That’s insane.
This is especially glaring because MLB just hauled in record revenue in 2018.
Some players have hinted that there’s going to be a massive battle and potential strike over this topic when MLB and the Player’s Association hammer out a new CBA. Based on the fact that top veterans like Verlander are being so vocal about it, that scenario seems more and more likely by the day.