Major League Baseball players and owners have agreed to terms on a new labor deal that ends the league's 99-day lockout, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said Thursday.
The regular season will start a week late, with opening day tentatively scheduled for April 7 and games to be made up in doubleheaders just before the playoffs. Spring training starts imminently ahead of a full 162-game season.
The agreement includes increased minimum salaries and a decision to introduce the designated hitter to the National League to make it a universal rule across both leagues.
When MLB formally lifts its freeze on transactions, trades and free agent signings can resume immediately.
Hiroshima Carp outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who is seeking a move to the majors via the posting system, and free agent pitcher Yusei Kikuchi are among Japanese players still without a home for 2022 and beyond.
