Sarah Bennett
The Mets and the Blue Jays are two of several MLB teams that have had to grapple with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, unvaccinated baseball players were unable to enter Canada and play games, and the Canadian government's decision to drop this requirement in September 2022 may have averted a potential disaster for the postseason series. The lack of mandatory vaccination and testing requirements in the MLB has created an information imbalance, with vaccine skeptics being given a platform to spread misinformation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of publication | 20 July 2022 |
| Teams involved | Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, New York Yankees |
| Location | Toronto, Canada |
| COVID-19 vaccination policy in Canada | All individuals, including MLB players, must be fully vaccinated to enter Canada without quarantining |
| Impact on unvaccinated players | Unable to compete in games held in Toronto, placed on the restricted list, loss of pay for missed games |
| Potential impact on postseason | Opposition player availability may be impacted if the Blue Jays secure a home playoff spot |
| MLB's COVID-19 policy | No vaccine mandate or mandatory testing, players may be placed on the restricted list due to government regulations related to vaccination status |
| Athlete exemptions | Vary by location and organisation; some athletes have received exemptions, while others have been denied |
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What You'll Learn
- Unvaccinated players were unable to enter Canada to play the Blue Jays in 2022
- No mandatory testing or vaccination requirements for MLB players
- MLB's reactive measures to COVID outbreaks
- The spread of misinformation by unvaccinated players
- Canada drops COVID vaccine requirements for athletes in September 2022
Unvaccinated players were unable to enter Canada to play the Blue Jays in 2022
Unvaccinated baseball players were unable to enter Canada to play the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022. Canada's border policy required all individuals, including MLB players, to be fully vaccinated to enter the country without quarantining. As a result, unvaccinated players were placed on the restricted list and could not compete in games held in Toronto. This affected teams like the Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays, and Baltimore Orioles, who had to leave unvaccinated players behind when travelling to Canada.
The issue of unvaccinated players in MLB gained attention in 2022, particularly with the Toronto Blue Jays, as teams travelling to Toronto had to comply with Canada's vaccination requirements. Unvaccinated players faced restrictions on their ability to enter Canada and participate in games. This led to discussions about the impact on player availability and potential competitive disadvantages for teams with unvaccinated members.
One notable example was Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto, who refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19, even if it meant missing Philadelphia's two-game series against the Blue Jays. Realmuto stated, "I'm not going to let Canada tell me what I do and don't put in my body." He lost approximately $262,000 in unpaid salary for the missed games, as per Major League Baseball's collective bargaining agreement.
The MLB and the union negotiated a policy regarding unvaccinated players and government regulations. They agreed that players who missed games due to their vaccination status could be placed on a restricted list, resulting in lost pay and service time. By the end of the 2022 season, 88% of MLB players and key staff were fully vaccinated. However, some team executives expressed frustration with players' reluctance to get vaccinated.
The situation with the Blue Jays highlighted the challenges of cross-border travel for sports teams during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also brought attention to the varying vaccination policies and regulations across different countries and sports leagues. While some athletes advocated for personal choice regarding vaccination, others faced pressure to get vaccinated to comply with government mandates and team requirements.
As the COVID-19 pandemic evolved, border policies and vaccination requirements could change, potentially impacting future sports competitions and player availability. The MLB and other sports organizations had to navigate these complexities while considering the health and safety of players, staff, and fans.
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No mandatory testing or vaccination requirements for MLB players
There are no mandatory vaccination or testing requirements for MLB players. This has resulted in an information imbalance, with vaccine skeptics and players missing games being given a platform to spread misinformation. While MLB players must be fully vaccinated to cross the border between Canada and the US without quarantining, there are no testing or vaccination requirements for playing in the US. This has led to a situation where unvaccinated players are placed on the restricted list for series in Toronto, unable to compete against the Blue Jays.
The lack of mandatory testing or vaccination requirements for MLB players has been a source of controversy, with some arguing that it has damaged the sport and affected teams with large numbers of unvaccinated individuals. For example, the Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19, even if it meant missing Philadelphia's two-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Realmuto was not paid for the games he missed as per Major League Baseball's new collective bargaining agreement, resulting in a loss of about $262,000.
Similarly, the Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge refused to disclose his vaccination status, stating that he was focused on the games and would address the issue when the time came. Judge was placed on the league's COVID-19-related injured list after testing positive for the virus and missed nine games. The lack of mandatory testing or vaccination requirements has also impacted the Yankees' games, with the league postponing their first game back from the All-Star break due to positive cases, potential exposures, and testing.
The agreement between MLB and the MLBPA regarding the travel of unvaccinated players expired at the end of the 2022 season, which could have resulted in tighter restrictions. However, there is still no mandate for vaccination or testing, and players are not required to disclose their vaccination status. This means that the responsibility for reporting COVID-19 cases lies with the players themselves, which may not be realistic. As a result, there could be a significant number of COVID-positive players without the knowledge of the league or the public.
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MLB's reactive measures to COVID outbreaks
MLB's agreement with the MLBPA regarding unvaccinated players' travel expires at the end of the 2022 season, which could result in tighter restrictions. However, this has not been confirmed, and the lack of vaccination requirements has caused issues. Unvaccinated players have been placed on the restricted list for series in Toronto, unable to compete against the Blue Jays. This has caused frustration among team executives, and there is a risk of player unavailability for potential MLB postseason series in Toronto.
In the case of a COVID outbreak, MLB will evaluate the situation and potentially postpone games. However, the lack of proactive measures has resulted in outbreaks and game postponements. For example, the Yankees' first game back from the All-Star break was postponed due to positive cases, potential exposures, and testing.
The MLB and the union agreed that players who are unable to play due to government regulations related to vaccination status may be placed on a restricted list, resulting in lost pay and service time. Despite initial resistance, vaccination numbers rose in MLB, reaching 88% by the end of the season.
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The spread of misinformation by unvaccinated players
Some players, like Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto, have refused to get vaccinated, even if it means missing games and losing substantial amounts of money. Realmuto stated, "I'm not going to let Canada tell me what I do and don't put in my body," showcasing a strong resistance to vaccine mandates. Other players, like Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, have chosen to remain vague about their vaccination status, saying that they will "cross that bridge when the time comes."
The lack of mandatory testing and vaccination requirements in the MLB has contributed to the problem. Without proper checks in place, there could be many COVID-positive players, and the only barrier has been the restriction on traveling to Canada. This has resulted in some unvaccinated players being unable to compete in Toronto, creating a potential competitive advantage for the Blue Jays.
However, the Blue Jays themselves have struggled with COVID-related issues, with players missing games due to positive tests and exposure. The MLB's reactive measures and reliance on self-reporting have created a situation where misinformation can thrive, and the health and safety of players and fans are at risk.
To prevent further spread of misinformation and potential disaster, the MLB and other sports leagues must take a stronger stance on vaccination and testing requirements. By elevating the voices of responsible, science-backed players and implementing stricter protocols, the league can help dispel misinformation and protect the well-being of all involved.
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Canada drops COVID vaccine requirements for athletes in September 2022
The Canadian government dropped mandatory COVID-19 vaccine requirements at its border as of September 30, 2022. This change ended the requirement for all individuals, including athletes and MLB players, to be fully vaccinated to cross the Canada-US border without quarantining. The change was expected, with a government official familiar with the matter informing The Associated Press in advance.
Prior to this change, unvaccinated individuals, including athletes, entering Canada were subject to a series of tests and a 14-day quarantine. The vaccination requirement posed challenges for unvaccinated MLB players, who were unable to compete in series held in Toronto, Canada. For example, when the Seattle Mariners played the Blue Jays in Toronto, reliever Drew Steckenrider was placed on the restricted list, and starter Robbie Ray did not make the trip.
The change in border policy could impact opposition player availability for potential MLB postseason series in Toronto. If the Blue Jays secured the first Wild Card position in the American League, they would open their playoffs in Toronto, hosting teams like the Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays, or Baltimore Orioles.
While the Canadian government lifted the vaccine mandate, it maintained the mask requirement for travellers on planes and trains.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2022, unvaccinated MLB players were unable to enter Canada and play games against Toronto as per the country's COVID-19 restrictions. This could have resulted in a disaster for the Mets-Blue Jays World Series as unvaccinated players would be unable to compete.
In 2022, to cross the border between Canada and the United States without quarantining, all individuals, including MLB players, had to be fully vaccinated.
Unvaccinated MLB players were placed on the restricted list for series in Toronto and were unable to compete against the Blue Jays. They also did not get paid for the games they missed.
