The Atlanta Braves' offseason is right around the corner, but this one will almost certainly look much different than the ones we're used to. The current collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET, and if MLB and the Players Association can't reach a new deal, owners are expected to initiate a lockout after that time passes.

That would freeze major league transactions until an agreement is reached. While appearing on the All The Smoke podcast with Matt Barnes earlier this season, MLB Insider Jeff Passan stated that a lockout is not just likely. It’s happening.

What Passan expressed is not just his opinion.…