The MLBPA received Major League Baseball’s latest proposal at the negotiating table. All of the league’s proposals are based on the inclusion of the salary cap and floor originally proposed by MLB for its future contract with the players.
Based on the stated refusal by the players to ever accept a cap on salaries, none of the subsequent proposals would be viable.
Shorter season, more playoff games
In the latest negotiations, MLB proposed a shortened season from 162 to 154 games beginning in 2029. Every week would have an off day on Monday
for all but two or four teams. The teams not off on Mondays would play a nationally televised game(s) and have their off day on Thursday.
All contractual incentives and bonuses based on games played or other season-long performances would be prorated.
Beginning in 2027, the playoffs would begin with the current three-game Wild Card round, but the Divisional round would be seven games instead of the current five. The two highest-seeded teams would still have a bye for the Wild Card round and then would pick their opponents in the Divisional round.
For the Wild Card round, the No. 3 seed would be able to pick between the No. 5 and No. 6 seed as its opponent.
The Divisional series would begin with the No. 1 seed in each league choosing their opponent between the winners in the Wild Card round.
MLB feels this new format would be good for player health with a guaranteed off day every week as well as showcasing teams and players every week in the Monday contests. There would be no loss of revenue because part of the new structure would include revenue sharing for all teams in the league.
Fewer teams than other sports
There would be no team expansion proposed for the playoffs by continuing with 12 teams advancing into the postseason.
MLB remains the only major professional league in the U.S. with the fewest number of teams advancing to the playoffs.
The NBA and NHL have 16 teams that advance (out of 30 and 32, respectively), while the NFL has 14 of 32 teams that advance to the postseason.
Player response
The MLBPA responded to the latest proposal by reiterating that they oppose any salary cap and that all subsequent MLB proposals rest on their acceptance of the cap proposal.
There was no stated opposition to the new proposal, while their official response would come at the negotiating table.
MLB wants the fans on their side
Negotiating in the media is largely practiced by the league and seems to indicate that they believe the fans are on their side or can be influenced by their input. The players’ association has not been as publicly forthcoming with their arguments. The league has even promoted its stancewith broadcast commercials during MLB games.
There is less than two months remaining on the current contract, and it is safe to assume that the pressure on the two sides will not ramp up until after the postseason concludes.
At that point, fans will expect serious negotiating to take place. The lockout will be the first step taken by MLB to put the pressure on the MLBPA.
To avoid any interruption of next season, progress will need to take place quickly. Plans for Spring Training and the regular season begin soon after the beginning of the new year.
