Twins executive chair Joe Pohlad might learn the hard way to watch what you say on the radio.
A comment that Pohlad made during an interview with WCCO-AM Radio’s Jason DeRusha could be the basis for an MLB Players Association formal complaint that Pohlad “violated a reservation of rights clause with the use of media in the collective bargaining agreement,” according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
“We’re not going to go out and spend $30 million on a player right now,” he said, per CBS Sports. “The players that are out there right now that probably a bunch of fans are talking about, we are not in the market for those players.”
Pohlad is the nephew of Twins owner Jim Pohlad.
The part of the CBA that Pohlad may have violated was seemingly on page 345.
“Similarly, none of the Covered Parties may make comments to the media about the value of an unsigned free agent, or about possible or contemplated terms for an unsigned free agent, regardless of whether discussions have occurred,” the passage read. “The prohibitions apply equally to comments that are on and off the record, as well as to comments that are provided on the condition of anonymity or published without identifying the source (e.g., “an industry source”).”
Pohlad never mentioned any specific players by name in the interview and the CBA does list several examples of what would not be allowed.
“Player X won’t receive anything longer than a one-year deal,” is one example.
Player X is not worth more than $Y million, nor should he receive a contract greater than Z years,” another example reads.
Should the MLBPA opt to file a complaint and the commissioner’s office finds Pohlad violated the CBA, “the Panel may award appropriate relief to remedy the violation.”
As of now, no official complaint has been filed.