Greg Lovett-USA TODAY NETWORK
According to Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post, the MLBPA submitted a formal proposal to MLB owners today in Manhattan during Sunday’s midday meeting, which lasted about an hour and a half.
It’s the two sides’ first meeting since MLB canceled regular-season games on Tuesday after the two sides had not come to a deal on the collective bargaining agreement.
MLBPA Proposal Changes
The latest iteration of negotiations included some movement on the players’ part, including a reduction in the pre-arbitration bonus pool total and granting MLB the ability to make some rules changes with just 45 days’ notice beginning in 2023.
As expected, MLBPA codified its offer today. Changes from where they were Tuesday (all contingent on agreement on all other pieces)
— From $85M to $80 in pre-arb bonus pool.
— Give MLB ability to make three rule changes w/ 45-day notice in 2023: pitch clock, big bases, shift ban— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) March 6, 2022
We last saw the MLBPA requesting $85 million be allocated to pre-arbitration eligible players, but Sunday, they reduced that request to $80 million. Included in this request was an annual $5 million increase in the pool moving forward. MLB owners’ most recent offer included just a $30 million allocation without yearly increases. So, the two sides remain far apart on the monetary value of the game’s least experienced players.
As for rules changes, the Players Association proposed a 45-day period, beginning in 2023, wherein the owners could institute three rules changes: a pitch clock, larger bases, and a ban of the shift. Under the former CBA, these changes would need to be implemented one year in advance. (MLB wants 14- and 19-second pitch clocks with the bases empty and with men on, according to ESPN‘s Jesse Rogers.)
The pace of play has been the number one outcry of younger MLB fans, and Manfred & Co. are poised to continue to chip away at game length. This “give” by the players seems inevitable in any potential agreement.
Holding Firm
As for the competitive balance tax, Chelsea Janes reports MLBPA did not move from its previous proposal. The players asked for a CBT of $238 million in 2022, $244 million in 2023, $250 million in 2024, $256 million in 2025, and $263 million in 2026. MLB’s latest CBT started out at $220 million over the first three years of the deal, increasing to $230 million over the next two years. They continue to hold out for a minimum salary increase up to $725,000, as well.
The other CBA points being argued are mute without movement from one side or the other on these numbers. It feels as if the players have their heels in the dirt on this issue.
We’re Talking Playoffs & Draft Lottery
As recently as yesterday, reports surfaced MLBPA would consider agreeing to a 14-team expanded playoff. MMO’s Patrick Glynn explained how the new playoff could be formatted here. However, Janes reported that the union wants no part of a 14-team postseason. Instead, they stand behind an expanded 12-team setup.
Additionally, sides remain separated on a functional draft lottery system, how many teams would be involved, and what punishments a team might incur if frequenting the lottery becomes a habit. These points coincide with the players’ movement to squash “tanking.”
What Is Next?
Janes highlighted the union’s suggestion to meet again tomorrow; however, no MLB source has inferred that a meeting will occur on Monday. With two regular-season series already lost, further delays in achieving a deal could cost fans more 2022 games.
