Manfred optimistic agreement will be reached to start season on time

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred is optimistic the 2022 campaign will get going on time despite the ongoing lockout.

"I'm an optimist, and I believe we will have an agreement in time to play our regular-season schedule," Manfred said Thursday when asked about Opening Day being March 31, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.

Manfred added: "I consider missing games as a disastrous outcome for this industry," per Jayson Stark of The Athletic.

The commissioner also said there are currently no plans to delay the mid-February start of spring training.

"The status of spring training is no change right now," Manfred said, according to Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post. "We're going to have a conversation with the MLBPA about the calendar. ... Until we have that conversation and until we see how this session on Saturday goes, it's no change."

Manfred said the league is planning to make "a good-faith, positive proposal" to the MLBPA on Saturday, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

The 63-year-old revealed the new offer has at least two significant changes the league and union support.

"We've agreed to a universal designated hitter and eliminated draft-pick compensation," Manfred said, per Janes.

The commissioner also responded to the players who recently slammed him on social media.

"I don't pay a lot of attention to social media. Most of the commentary that is out there is tactical," Manfred said, according to Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.

Players have been locked out since the last collective bargaining agreement expired in early December. Pitchers and catchers are still scheduled to report to spring training Feb. 14, with exhibition games beginning Feb. 26.