Part 9/13:
Their decisions suggest a cautious approach amid fears of a possible lockout in 2027. Many experts believe that the current labor climate—marked by looming salary caps, service time manipulation rules, and arbitration concerns—could lead to a work stoppage, which might freeze salaries and limit players’ earning potential for years to come.
This atmosphere might be motivating players like Gisham to secure as much as possible now, rather than risking future stagnation. The fact that players are accepting qualifying offers at record levels could also indicate a belief that the market itself might shrink or stall in the near future.