It seems both the MLB and MLBPA have come a far way from their initial discussions in early May as a new proposal will be hitting the table that both sides might finally agree on. According to ESPN Jeff Passan, MLB owners reportedly made a major shift in their negotiations with players on the structure of a 2020 season. The biggest concern from the MLBPA was salary especially with the season originally scheduled to start in March. It seems the MLB is now willing to honor the March agreement which is a huge step forward. Here’s more information from the players association below via Passan.
“Based on that feedback received from the Players Association,” the agreement reads. “the Office of the Commissioner will construct and provide to the Players Association, as promptly as possible, a proposed 2020 championship season and postseason schedule (or multiple schedule options) using best efforts to play as many games as possible, while taking into account player safety and health, rescheduling needs, competitive considerations, stadium availability, and the economic feasibility of various alternatives.”
Do you think the MLB and MLBPA can agree on a new proposal with the league offering full prorated salaries?
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The optimism should be at an all-time high right now for both the players and the fans. The biggest part of the concern seems to be in the shadows. With the MLB willing to honor the March agreement, the league can have any amount of games in 2020 and still have the prorated salaries paid out. Coming into Monday, the league is ready to propose a new shorter regular season around the 50 game mark. Remember these three provisions must be in place throughout the season.
• No government restrictions on playing in front of fans at regular-season ballparks. No relevant travel restrictions throughout the U.S. and Canada. Manfred determining, after consulting with the union and medical experts, that there is no risk to players, staff or fans to play games with fans at all 30 regular-season ballparks, provided that MLB and the union will discuss in good faith the economic feasibility of playing games in the absence of spectators or at appropriate substitute neutral sites.
