Major League Baseball and the Players Association (MLBPA) held negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on consecutive days last week and although some were willing to describe as progress, the two sides remained far apart on key issues.
Nevertheless, it was noteworthy that the union pulled back on their preference for an age-based free agency model, and changes to revenue sharing amongst teams. The league countered with a willingness to establish a bonus pool for pre-arbitration players and increase in the minimum salary.
However, the value MLB proposed for the bonus pool was $10 million, a figure vastly lower than the $105 million sought by the MLBPA. Furthermore, the proposed minimum salary for first-year players was pitched at increasing from $600,000 to $615,000, compared to a $775,000 ask from players.
With several issues still needing to be addressed, there were some reports MLB and the union were scheduled for another meeting on Monday. However, the MLBPA deemed that false.
This is 100% inaccurate. https://t.co/i49hSWg5ZT
— MLBPA Communications (@MLBPA_News) January 30, 2022
With the calendar on the verge of turning to February, pressure continues to mount as Spring Training camps tentatively remain scheduled to open in a couple weeks. Although at the current pace, it’s not believed the Cactus League or Grapefruit League will begin on time.
As for the regular season, it has been suggested a new CBA must be in place by early March in order to avoid the cancellation of games.
Report: MLB open to cancelling regular season games
Although the union showed a willingness to make some concessions in CBA talks, they reportedly are frustrated amid a belief team owners are not taking them seriously.
Furthermore, MLB deputy commissioner Dan Halem reportedly stated team owners are willing to cancel regular season games if negotiations do not progress, which the MLBPA interpreted as a threat.
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