Baseball Lockout Ends Sparing April 7 Opening Day, Braves Home Opener

ATLANTA, GA — The Atlanta Braves April 7 home opener at Truist Field against the Cincinnati Reds — in doubt Thursday morning — has been spared by a deal between the players union and Major League Baseball.

Wednesday night MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred Jr. said talks to hammer down a new collective bargaining agreement between team owners and Major League Baseball Players Association leaders broke down, potentially pushing Opening Day to April 14.

But Thursday afternoon, both sides were able to come to agreeable terms, according to MLB reporter Mark Feinsand. The CBA still must be ratified by the owners and the players in order for Spring Training camps to open Sunday.

See also: MLB Lockout Nears End, Players Accept Terms In Time For 162 Games

Feinsand reports that the new agreement is expected to include increased minimum salaries, a 12-team postseason, designated hitters for both the American and National Leagues, the evaluation of an international draft, a raise in competitive balance tax threshold, and the widest Draft lottery in pro sports.

While awaiting an end to the lockout, players like Braves outfielder Joc Pederson and shortstop Dansby Swanson have taken to making pizza part-time at a Papa John’s location in Marietta to pass the time while they await the beginning of the season.

Now teams must turn their attention to signing the more than 200 free agents who remain without contracts, including Braves slugger Freddie Freeman.