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In what has been a whirlwind of a week for Major League Baseball, most around the industry viewed commissioner Rob Manfred’s meeting with Players Association executive director Tony Clark as a step in the right direction.
The productive sit-down led to MLB submitting another offer to the union just days after Manfred walked back a previous guarantee that some form of a 2020 season would be played.
The latest proposal from the league ensured that players would be paid full prorated salaries over a 60-game regular season, with the possibility of earning more through an expanded postseason. The implementation of a universal designated hitter was also included.
While progress was made, there is still evidently some work to do. Clark reportedly informed Manfred that the proposed length of 60 games is not sufficient, as players desire a longer schedule to maximize their salaries.
As a result, the Players Associated presented team owners with a counter, asking that 70 regular-season games are scheduled while agreeing to split playoff revenues, via ESPN’s Jeff Passan:
The MLBPA’s proposal to MLB is for 70 games, sources tell ESPN, and includes a split of playoff revenues.
While the league is unlikely to accept this proposal, it’s close enough for optimism there will be a season — whether it’s via a deal or MLB setting a shorter schedule.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 18, 2020
Among the details in MLBPA’s new proposal, sources tell ESPN:
– 70-game season from July 19-Sept. 30
– $50M in playoff bonuses
– 50/50 split of new postseason TV revenues in 2021
– Forgiveness of salary advance for Tier I-III players
– Universal DH
– Mutual waiver of grievance— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 18, 2020
Although there appears to be room for an agreement, team owners reportedly are not thrilled by negotiations continuing, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
MLB thought they had a deal Tuesday night at 60 games, which the union strongly disputed, so the owners not happy with new 70-game proposal
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) June 18, 2020
The owners appear dead-set on 60 games, and would only budge if other money is taken out in the framework of their offer on Tuesday .
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) June 18, 2020
It isn’t beyond reason to believe that team owners and players will eventually meet in the middle for a regular-season schedule that consists of 65 games or so.
Now in a race against time, a potential agreement could be finalized by the end of the week. Such would allow the season to begin in roughly a month’s time after players complete a Spring Training 2.0 — likely at home stadiums as opposed to Spring Training facilities.
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