The Major League Baseball Players Association formally rejected MLB’s proposal to delay the start of Spring Training, the regular season and shorten the schedule to 154 games.
“Late last week, the MLBPA for the first time this offseason received a proposal from MLB to delay Spring Training and Opening Day by approximately one month,” the union said in a statement.
“Under the proposal, the end of the season would be delayed one week, the regular season would be shortened to 154 games and all 30 teams would be required to play several doubleheaders. Players would also be required to accept previously rejected proposals that link expanded playoffs with expansion of the designated hitter.
“Although Player salaries would not be initially prorated to a 154-game regular season, MLB’s proposal offers no salary or service time protections in the event of further delays, interruptions, or cancellation of the season.”
Prior to the proposal being submitted late last week, indications from both parties was that Spring Training camps remained on track to open as scheduled.
In responding to the MLBPA’s decision, the league stood by a proposal they said was made in the best interest of safety.
“This was a good deal that reflected the best interests of everyone involved in the sport by merely moving the calendar of the season back one month for health and safety reasons without impacting any rights either the players or the Clubs currently have under the Basic Agreement or Uniform Player’s Contract for pay and service time,” a portion of MLB’s statement read.
And while the plan is for both Spring Training and the regular season to begin as scheduled, MLB noted that it is contingent on “reaching an agreement on health and safety protocols.”
The league added: “We were able to complete a 2020 season through Herculean efforts and sacrifices made by our players, Club staff and MLB staff to protect one another. We will do so again, together, as we work towards playing another safe and entertaining season in 2021.”
Expanded postseason, universal DH remain talking points
In addition to timing with Spring Training and the regular season, another disagreement between MLB and the Players Association centers around the universal designated hitter and expanded postseason potentially returning this year.
Teams have continued to push for a larger playoff field, which players generally oppose. Meanwhile, both parties are believed to have interest in a universal DH, but owners seek some form of a trade off.
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