When Major League Baseball cancelled the remainder of Spring Training, there was hope — albeit slim — the coinciding delay to start the 2020 regular season would only last two weeks. However, three months have passed, and the sport doesn’t appear to be on the verge of a return.
MLB and the Players Association remain at odds over interpretation of a March 26 agreement that settled service time and addressed pay. But language in that deal called for the two sides to re-negotiate prorated salaries if the sport faced significant economic challenges.
That has manifested with most states not yet allowing fans to attending sporting events. A war of words has waged between MLB and the MLBPA, with each accusing the other of not negotiating in good faith.
As part of the disagreement, MLB deputy commissioner Dan Halem wrote a letter to the union which reiterated commissioner Rob Manfred has every intention of playing a 2020 season, per Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich of The Athletic:
“Nonetheless, the Commissioner is committed to playing baseball in 2020. He has started discussions with ownership about staging a shorter season without fans. Assuming that those discussions go well, we will notify you at the appropriate time of our intentions. In the meantime, we stand ready to discuss any ideas you may have that might lead to an agreement on resuming play without regular fan access in our stadiums.”
Manfred himself has expressed optimism the two sides would reach an agreement, but that was several weeks go and prior to MLB rejecting a counteroffer from the Players Association. Upon doing so, the league informed the union they would not present another proposal.
Instead, Manfred reportedly is considering implementing a truncated season (50 to 60 games) with players receiving full prorated salaries. While it would satisfy the union’s desire on pay, the volume of games is much lower than what once appeared likely — 82 games — and what the MLBPA pitched (114).
The longer the dispute drags on, the less likely MLB will be able to stage any semblance of a substantial season. Particularly with the league leery of playing deep into fall because of fear a second wave of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic would halt the postseason.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our shows, and more!
