Pedro Martinez Appeals to MLB Owners and Players to Prevent Looming Lockout

Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez urged both sides of the CBA negotiations to reach a deal before the current agreement expires on December 1.

Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez called for a resolution to the ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations between Major League Baseball owners and the players' union to avoid a work stoppage. The current CBA is set to expire on Dec. 1. During the Pedro Martinez Foundation's 10th annual gala on Saturday, the three-time Cy Young Award winner told the Boston Herald that both sides must find a solution to ensure they "don't lock out baseball for the fans."

Negotiations currently center on a proposed salary cap. On Tuesday, MLB owners submitted an offer that would delay the implementation of such a cap until 2028. However, the players' association has maintained a firm stance against the inclusion of a salary cap in any new agreement.

Martinez cited his experience during the 1994 strike as a primary reason for his concern. At that time, he was a member of the Montreal Expos, a team that held the best record in the majors at 74-40 before play was halted. The cancellation of the 1994 season left Martinez exactly one day short of reaching arbitration eligibility. The eight-time All-Star, who won the 2004 World Series with the Boston Red Sox, noted that while the 1994 stoppage addressed necessary changes, he believes there is no excuse for a lockout in the current economic climate.