Major League Baseball has circulated an internal memo outlining detailed protocols for an impending lockout expected to begin following the expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement on December 1. The 34-page document, distributed to team owners and senior executives on October 1, provides guidance on operational conduct during the anticipated work stoppage.
Dan Halem, MLB’s deputy commissioner, emphasized in the memo that while efforts remain focused on reaching a new labor agreement with the Players Association, teams must prepare for the possibility of a lockout. Under such circumstances, all business interactions between clubs and players on 40-man rosters would cease, including trades and signings.
One significant measure includes the removal of player images and videos from official MLB and team websites, a step mirrored from the last lockout in 2021-22. MLB’s digital division will produce alternative versions of these sites with all player likenesses omitted from profile pages, article headlines, and related content. However, merchandise sales will continue, as licensing agreements through the players’ union allow for the use of player names and images on apparel and other goods.
The memo also addresses communication restrictions. Club officials are instructed to limit contact with players “to the greatest extent possible,” given the complexity of permissible interactions during a lockout. While team staff may attend players’ personal events such as weddings, discussions regarding baseball matters are prohibited. If players retain property at club facilities during the offseason—such as vehicles—they will be required to remove them.
Additionally, the league will not prevent players from pursuing opportunities in other professional leagues, including overseas winter ball, during the lockout period. This acknowledges that some players may compete in Japan or other international circuits while MLB operations are suspended.
The memo highlights concerns about injury claims, noting the potential for players to assert pre-lockout injuries to access workers’ compensation. To mitigate this risk, clubs are advised to document end-of-season player interactions and medical evaluations. Exit physicals may be conducted in line with historical team practices but should not be newly introduced immediately before the lockout.
Because some agents represent both major and minor league players, communication with agents will continue but will be strictly controlled to avoid forbidden discussions related to major league employment terms. Offseason workout plans may be distributed to players prior to the lockout but not afterward.
The memo also touches on the status of the Rule 5 draft. While the minor league segment is set to proceed normally, the major league portion—which was canceled during the previous lockout—is uncertain and subject to negotiation.
Finally, MLB has prepared messaging guidance for ticket sales staff and public communications. Staff are advised to express optimism about a full 2027 season and assure season-ticket holders of fair treatment should any games be canceled. The memo explicitly states that holiday cards and gifts should not be sent to players after the lockout begins but may be distributed up until December 1.
Overall, the memo underscores MLB’s intention to maintain operational readiness while enforcing stringent protocols designed to manage the league’s relationship with players amid a potential labor dispute.