Despite a March 26 agreement between Major League Baseball and the Players Association that addressed service time and pay for what was taking shape to be an unprecedented 2020 regular season, the two sides have remain at odds over the past month.
Team owners have taken the stance they are unable to pay full prorated salaries for an 82-game season that would at minimum begin with most teams unable to play in front of fans. MLB reportedly is willing to give precedent to local government directives, which at present time would amount to Texas-based teams playing home games with fans in attendance.
Nevertheless, MLB and the MLBPA can’t seem to agree on a plan for 2020. The union’s proposal of 114 games was rejected, and though the league indicated a counter would not be made, one was given to the players on Monday.
Among other factors, it proposed a 76-game schedule at 75% prorated salaries, but with only 50% of it guaranteed. Early indications are the union doesn’t view it as any better of an offer than previous versions.
Meanwhile, a formal decision to approve or accept it is due by Wednesday, per Joel Sherman of The New York Post:
MLB sent a proposal Monday to players that called for a 76-game schedule that would begin about July 10. A Wednesday deadline to accept was provided.
According to Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich of The Athletic, the MLBPA will reject the offer:
The union, according to sources, plans to reject the league’s offer of a 76-game schedule in which the players would receive 75 percent of their prorated salaries for the regular season if the playoffs are completed and 50 percent if the postseason is canceled.
MLB imposing a deadline takes into account the need to recall players for the start of Spring Training 2.0, which is believed to be earmarked for three weeks. Assuming the stalemate extends beyond Wednesday, it will increase the likelihood of the league imposing a shortened season.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred is said to be considering a 50 to 60 games, and although it would entail players receiving full prorated salaries, the total value would be less than what the MLBPA has sought.
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