In recent weeks, the MLB and MLBPA have engaged in numerous talks to discuss the state of the sport. Potential rule changes have been floated around, including the implementation of a pitch clock to help shorten game times.
While a 20-second timer has found its way to 2019 Spring Training games, the installation of a pitch clock in the regular season has been scrapped for another three years as part of a compromise between both parties.
Other issues are in the process of being hammered out, including possible changes to the annual non-waiver and waiver trade deadlines, and roster size.
According to Ronald Blum of the Associated Press, the MLB and MLBPA are nearing an agreement that would see active rosters expand to 26 players beginning in the 2020 season:
Major League Baseball and the players’ union are near an agreement to expand active rosters by one to 26 starting in 2020 as part of a deal that would include a commitment to discuss larger economic issues after opening day this year. As part of the deal, the active limit from Sept. 1 to the end of the season would be lowered from 40 to 28 beginning next year, people familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.
Should an agreement be reached, the new rule change will most notably affect expanded September rosters. Clubs in the past have been permitted to activate 40 players during the final month of the regular season, but that figure will now decrease to 28.
Such an alteration figures to help shorten game times — a longtime goal of MLB commissioner Rob Manfred — as managers will presumably face the prospect of fewer substitutions and pitching changes.
