MLB rejects MLBPA 114-game season plan
While the National Basketball Association and National Hockey League inch closer to returning to action to conclude the 2019-20 campaign, Major League Baseball is having a difficult time trying to get their season off the ground. Owners and players seem further apart than ever- especially after the league rejected the MLB Players’ Association’s latest proposal.
The MLBPA suggested the players would be willing to play a 114-game regular season with no additional salary cuts, but the league was not willing to accept those conditions. According to reports, owners will now turn their attention to an even shorter season than the 82-game regular season they had proposed to the MLBPA last week. The MLB’s next offer will likely see a reduced number of regular season games proposed, with some claiming it could be as little as 50.
“We do not have any reason to believe that a negotiated solution for an 82-game season is possible,” MLB Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem wrote in a letter Wednesday to chief union negotiator Bruce Meyer according to The Associated Press.
The MLB’s rejected 82-game regular season plan was viewed as rather controversial, as it included a sliding pay scale that meant the highest earners would be sacrificing the biggest percentage of their salary. Those earning the league minimum ($563,500) would retain 47% of their original salaries, while those at the top would be taking home less than 22% of their original salary.
The MLBPA is frustrated that the league is backtracking on a deal reached on March 26th that would see players earn a prorated salary of 70% for a 114-game season. The MLB no longer views the original deal as economically viable considering the state of the pandemic and the unlikelihood of fans being allowed to return to stadiums this season. The league has argued that the loss of revenue is significant and that the players need to concede more than they had originally planned.
“You confirmed for us on Sunday that players are unified in their view that they will not accept less than 100% of their prorated salaries, and we have no choice but to accept that representation,” Halem continued.
Halem did go on to stress that returning to play remains the priority, even if fans and media alike become more and more pessimistic about the possibility.
“Nonetheless, the commissioner is committed to playing baseball in 2020,” Halem added. “He has started discussions with ownership about staging a shorter season without fans. ”
“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,” Halem said concluding his letter to Meyer.
Opening Day was scheduled for March 26th, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the league has yet to play a single regular season game. The league suspended operations earlier in March, forcing teams to stop their spring training plans.
The league would ideally like to commence playing regular season games in early July, but with at least three weeks required for preparation prior to games commencing that target has become increasingly unrealistic.
