The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) made its latest collective bargaining agreement (CBA) proposal to MLB last week, which included changes they say are designed to improve the game, protect players’ health and safety, and strengthen the free agency market.
The proposal came after the league presented a maximum of five-year contracts to free agents and six-year deals to players who are re-signing, along with eliminating deferred contracts and the qualifying offer.
In exchange for their asks, MLB proposed increasing the minimum salary for certain players and allowing others to potentially reach free agency sooner.
However, the consensus is that both sides remain far apart in negotiations due to MLB’s push for a salary cap. That could lead to a lengthy lockout when the current CBA expires in December.
MLBPA latest CBA proposal
Temporary roster expansion
MLBPA proposed expanding active rosters from 26 to 28 (14 pitcher maximum) for the first 15 days of a season as a way to reduce injury risk in the lead up to and just after Opening Day, as well as provide additional Major League opportunities for players coming out of Spring Training.
MLB active rosters currently consist of 26 players (13 pitcher limit) from Opening Day through Aug. 31, before expanding to 28 with a maximum of 14 pitchers in September.
60-day IL changes
MLBPA proposed that clubs be able to transfer players to the 60-day injured list as early as the tender deadline in November. This change is designed to open additional 40-man roster spots sooner and give teams more flexibility during the offseason.
As it currently stands, teams can only place players on the 60-day IL from the start of Spring Training through the end of the season.
In-season optional assignments
MLBPA proposed to reduce the number of in-season optional assignments per player from five to three, with the hope of eliminating excessive roster churn and promoting full-time jobs at the MLB level throughout the season.
Rule 5 Draft
MLBPA proposed to accelerate eligibility for the Rule 5 Draft and ensure one continues to be held in each year of the next CBA. Currently, players are eligible for the Rule 5 Draft if they do not have a spot on an organization’s 40-man roster and meet certain service time thresholds.
MLB service time & salary protections
MLBPA proposed to provide MLB service time and salary protections for all players in September, and for pitchers who are optioned to the Minors over the All-Star break and/or immediately after a game where they met certain performance thresholds. This is designed to reduce roster manipulation and protect players who are optioned but expected to “stay hot.”
Access to data & video
MLBPA proposed that all players have access to non-proprietary performance data and video used by clubs as a way to increase transparency and allow players to track their work with the same information management is using.
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