NEW YORK—Players’ union head Tony Clark claims the number of rebuilding teams and unsigned free agents in a historically slow market threatens the sport’s integrity, an assertion immediately rejected by Major League Baseball. In a statement and a telephone interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday, Clark voiced the frustration of the 100-plus free agents who remain unsigned with the start of spring training one week away. “Spring training has always been associated with hope for a new season. Just one free agent has agreed to a deal worth $50 million or more: first baseman Carlos Santana’s $60 million, three-year contract with Cleveland. In addition, outfielder Justin Upton reached a $106 million, five-year contract to stay with the Los Angeles Angels rather than become a free agent.

Source: thestar February 06, 2018 22:30 UTC