Marcus Stroman Could Totally Get Screwed by Reported Service-Time Agreement Between MLB and MLBPA

Despite the growing challenges of getting any small business done as the shutdown of American sports leagues continue, the MLB and MLBPA have been hashing out details of how the league will be run when baseball resumes. Among many other things, one key detail that has been negotiated is how service time will be treated in this suddenly shortened season.

Ultimately, it was decided that the 2020 season will count towards service time, meaning players such as the New York Mets' Marcus Stroman will be eligible for free agency after 2020. It may seem like a positive on the surface, as now Stroman is no longer held back by the holds of arbitration, and can be paid what he is worth. The only problem is, with a shortened season all but confirmed, Stroman may have a decreased value.

Latest MLB proposal includes draft in 2020, likely later than current June dates, sources tell The Athletic. Also includes service time for players if season is canceled; players would get same service for ‘20 they earned in ‘19. Parties earlier had discussed tabling that issue.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 25, 2020

For argument's sake, let's say Stroman has a horrid start to the year and is getting lit up. Normally he would have over 30 starts in a season, and would easily have the opportunity to right the ship and get back to his average numbers, which are that of a top-tier starter. However, in the event of a shortened season, Stroman won't have as many opportunities to "make up" for those numbers.

So theoretically, couldn't a team point to that as a regression, and not value him as much in the open market? Now Stroman would be forced to accept a deal that doesn't represent what he is actually worth, potentially costing millions of dollars.

3/ 1) Think it is a bad look to be fighting over $/service now with country in such bad shape. 2. Are hopeful games will be played and this is a non-issue. 3. Without revenue this year, free agency is unlikely to be lucrative next year for anyone except maybe Betts/Realmuto
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) March 25, 2020

Hopefully, this won't affect future contracts as dramatically as we fear. However, with other leagues like the NBA already fearing a salary cap drop, it seems possible that MLB players will benefit from the next free agency period. That is why players like Stroman should be wary of having their service year count towards this season.