Negotiations for the adoption of a new collective agreement in Major League Baseball came very close to collapsing on Saturday, despite the progress made on several issues. One thing is certain, time is running out with only two days left before the deadline set by the owners to save the season opener.
Posted at 12:07 a.m.
Although the two camps have come together on various points of contention after six consecutive days of discussions, the parties remain far from agreeing on major economic elements such as the salary cap, the rate of the luxury tax, the minimum wage and bonuses paid to players not eligible for salary arbitration.
Frustrated with the progress of the negotiations, the players would not commit to resuming talks on Sunday, arguing they needed to consider their next options.
On the side of the owners, it is argued that without a contract of employment before the end of the day Monday, regular season games will be gradually cut from the schedule. According to the league, the lack of time necessary to hold a decent training camp would force the cancellation of games on the schedule. The players haven’t indicated if they’re okay with that scenario, but may prefer to cut back on the pre-season camp to maintain the full season.
Moreover, once Monday’s deadline is passed, the length of the regular season could become a new point of contention since it will have consequences on player salaries and time on duty.
The Players’ Association has previously told MLB that if games are canceled and players suffer lost wages, teams should not expect the union to accept proposals for the new playoff format. playoffs as well as advertising on uniforms and helmets.
positive points
Despite the many dark clouds hanging over the negotiations, some signs of progress have been observed in various files.
The clubs have agreed for the first time to award a full year of additional service to Rookie of the Year runners-up in each of the two leagues. Nominations granted by the Baseball Writers Association of America. In order for a player to qualify for this extra year of service, however, he must be identified as one of baseball’s top 100 prospects and not have spent the entire season on the roster.
The two parties have also agreed on the establishment of a lottery on the first six selection ranks of the amateur draft.
The players have also compromised on the criteria for determining which players are eligible for arbitration, but they remain far from the position of the owners who refuse any change to the regime in place since 2013.
Players and owners also remain firmly entrenched in their positions regarding the salary cap and the luxury tax.
On another topic, the Players Association withdrew its proposal to reduce the system of revenue sharing between organizations. However, they want incentives to be put in place to encourage less well-off teams to increase their local income.
On the other side, the owners threw a new obstacle in the paws of the players by suggesting that a committee made up of six members of the management camp, two representatives of the players and a representative of the officials could impose a change to the regulations at 45 days. of opinion.
Under current rules, a rule change must be approved by the Players’ Association or be announced one year in advance if it is unilaterally imposed by Major League Baseball.