MLBPA bans media from attending free-agent camp

Baseball's 31st spring training camp will operate behind closed doors.

The MLB Players Association is barring all media from attending the union-operated free-agent training camp in Bradenton, Fla., a union spokesperson confirmed to The Associated Press on Monday night.

MLBPA executive director Tony Clark declined to comment to AP about the media ban.

Amid the abnormally slow free-agent market and rising tensions between MLB and its players' union, the PA decided to open the camp as an opportunity for unsigned players to get ready for the season and potentially showcase themselves.

Though the camp officially opens to players Tuesday, it's still not clear how many of them will actually attend. Super-agent Scott Boras, who represents several of the biggest names who are still unsigned, has already stated his clients won't take part.

Former Houston Astros manager Bo Porter is serving as the camp's "manager."