To me it already seemed obvious that even the big FAs would end up with one-year deals (or QOs, if one is even offered). Even if a few owners make better offers any post-CBA open market is bound to be better than the one while this is all still going on, or at least both sides will want to see what the CBA is. But a cynical owner could offer a gigantic two-year deal knowing they won't pay all of the second year.
I think the union already understands this and is thinking longer-term (of course they are also overcompensating after failing to get themselves a better deal last time, and their leadership is still questionable compared to the old days). Though they are kidding themselves if they think 2021 will be normal, we have no idea if spring training will start on time or if there will be fans (whether because they aren't alllowed or aren't coming). Even a miracle vaccine timeline wouldn't equal sufficient distribution and implementation in time to Play Ball! And the agents are kidding themselves to say these rich guys could just sell their teams or endure three years of losses in this climate.
But I don't really see how either side can do anything to address this stuff. It's all already happening and will happen no matter how many games are played this year, though obviously no season would be devastating to both sides.
The only optimistic scenario I see, and it's a longshot, is that whatever happens the next two seasons, it's not gonna be normal, everyone's gonna be making less, and there will be immense pressure on both sides to avoid a work stoppage for what might otherwise be the first chance a normal season. But that's not the picture Stark paints.
