Minor League play during lockout?

[Buschleaguer]

Question: if there is a lockout in 2027, will minor leagues play (allowing for ongoing player development)? Is the answer the same for players on, and players off, the 40 man roster? Thanks!

[The Nard]

I’m going bananas!

[NYCardsFan]

Sounds like a good test for ChatGPT. I copied your question verbatim; here’s the reply:

Excellent question — and one that’s very relevant given how MLB labor agreements and player development systems are structured. Here’s how it works, based on precedent and MLB’s current structure:

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If there is an MLB lockout (e.g., in 2027)
• A lockout is an action by the owners — it applies only to MLB players covered by the Major League Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

That means:
• Players on the 40-man roster are members of the MLBPA (the union).
• Players not on the 40-man roster (i.e., minor leaguers) are not members of the MLBPA.

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What happens to play in the minor leagues?

1. Minor League games (MiLB) continue.
During the 2021–22 MLB lockout, for example:
• The minor league season proceeded as normal.
• Player development, team operations, and games for non-40-man players continued.

So, if there’s a lockout in 2027, MiLB teams will still operate and play games — but without players who are on the 40-man roster.

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What about players on the 40-man roster?
• They cannot play, train at team facilities, or participate in team activities during a lockout.
• They are barred from minor league assignments, spring training, and rehab work with team staff.

So, for example, a top prospect who’s already been added to the 40-man roster would be frozen out until the lockout ends.

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What about players off the 40-man roster?
• These players are not in the MLBPA.
• They can continue to play, train, and develop in the minors normally.
• Team facilities, coaches, and minor league spring training all remain active for them.

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Summary

Player Type During MLB Lockout Can Play in MiLB? Notes
40-man roster Locked out No Barred from all team activities
Not on 40-man roster Not covered by lockout Yes MiLB continues as normal


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So, in short:
Yes, minor leagues will play during a 2027 lockout.
No, 40-man players cannot participate.
Yes, non-40-man players will continue developing.

Would you like me to include how this would affect spring training or development programs like the Arizona Fall League too?

[Buschleaguer]

Thanks, that’s very helpful. So, if a lockout seems a strong possibility, teams may be reluctant to add certain prospects to the 40 man roster.

[Carp4Cy]

Thanks, that’s very helpful. So, if a lockout seems a strong possibility, teams may be reluctant to add certain prospects to the 40 man roster.

You can’t keep JJW in the minors for 2 more years. Besides he’d be better off playing if Japan if there’s a lockout.

But this could be catastrophic to the sport and even more to our team. We need to just bring Bud Selig, Morgan Freeman, and the ghost of Jimmy Carter all together to resolve this before it gets that far.