Since Marvin Miller transformed the MLBPA into a real union in the late 1960s, baseball has seen nine work stoppages. Most resolved quickly. Two did not—and they changed the sport forever.
1994–1995
The Strike That Killed the World Series
Players went on strike August 12, 1994 over owner demands for a salary cap. Commissioner Bud Selig cancelled the rest of the season on September 14—including the World Series—making MLB the first major American sport to lose an entire postseason to labor strife.
The strike dragged on for 232 days, finally ending April 2, 1995 when federal judge Sonia Sotomayor (now a Supreme Court Justice) issued an injunction against owners. The 1995 season started late with replacement players initially planned before the ruling.
The damage was immense: $580 million in lost owner revenue, $230 million in lost player salaries, and attendance that took years to recover. Many fans never came back.
232 days · 938 games + World Series cancelled
The strike dragged on for 232 days, finally ending April 2, 1995 when federal judge Sonia Sotomayor (now a Supreme Court Justice) issued an injunction against owners. The 1995 season started late with replacement players initially planned before the ruling.
The damage was immense: $580 million in lost owner revenue, $230 million in lost player salaries, and attendance that took years to recover. Many fans never came back.
2021–2022
The 99-Day Lockout
Owners locked out players on December 2, 2021, the day after the CBA expired. It was the first work stoppage in 26 years. Spring training was delayed, and Commissioner Rob Manfred announced the cancellation of the first two series of the season.
A deal was reached on March 10, 2022, just in time to preserve a full 162-game season. The new CBA included increased minimum salaries, a 12-team playoff, universal DH, and a pre-arbitration bonus pool.
But the core issue—a salary cap—was never seriously discussed. That fight was postponed to 2026.
99 days · No games cancelled
A deal was reached on March 10, 2022, just in time to preserve a full 162-game season. The new CBA included increased minimum salaries, a 12-team playoff, universal DH, and a pre-arbitration bonus pool.
But the core issue—a salary cap—was never seriously discussed. That fight was postponed to 2026.
2026–2027?
The Salary Cap Showdown
The current CBA expires December 1, 2026. This time, the salary cap will be the central issue. MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark expects a lockout. Multiple owners have said they're willing to miss an entire season to get a cap.
Will there be baseball in 2027? History suggests a lockout is certain. How long it lasts depends on how badly owners want a cap—and how hard players are willing to fight.
TBD
Will there be baseball in 2027? History suggests a lockout is certain. How long it lasts depends on how badly owners want a cap—and how hard players are willing to fight.
All MLB Work Stoppages
| Year | Type | Duration | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Strike | 13 days | 86 games cancelled |
| 1973 | Lockout | 17 days | No games cancelled |
| 1976 | Lockout | 17 days | Spring training only |
| 1980 | Strike | 8 days | No games cancelled |
| 1981 | Strike | 50 days | 713 games cancelled |
| 1985 | Strike | 2 days | Games made up |
| 1990 | Lockout | 32 days | Opening Day delayed 1 week |
| 1994–95 | Strike | 232 days | 938 games + World Series |
| 2021–22 | Lockout | 99 days | No games cancelled |
The pattern is clear: most work stoppages resolve before games are lost. But when the core economics of the game are at stake—as they were in 1981 and 1994—the damage can be catastrophic.
In 2026, owners want a salary cap. Players see it as existential. The stage is set for the biggest labor fight in baseball history.