Lots of fans have asked themselves, and reporters on Twitter, what’s next in negotiations between MLB and the Players Association for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
As a reminder, official talks broke off when the MLBPA rejected the owners’ last “take it or leave it” offer at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, FL., near Tuesday’s 5:00 pm ET deadline.
As a result of the failed negotiations, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced the cancellation of the season’s first two series.
After that, MLB Deputy Commissioner Dan Salem and chief union negotiator Bruce Meyer had an informal one-on-one in New York.
They talked for about 90 minutes, but no official proposals were made.
So, here we stand in CBA talks: what’s next?
According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, the ball is currently in the MLBPA’s court.
A Twitter user asked him “who is supposed to make the next offer? When do we expect another offer? Seems like all momentum has come to a grinding halt. What’s next?”
Rogers replied: “League (is) awaiting union offer/response. Unclear when that’s coming.”
League awaiting union offer/response. Unclear when that's coming https://t.co/VyNAbgzlqo
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) March 4, 2022
The Ball Is In The Players’ Court
Naturally, the last proposal was made by the league: they offered a $700,000 minimum salary, a $220 million competitive balance tax threshold, and a $25 million bonus pool for young stars who earn it (by Wins Above Replacement); and the players rejected it.
Now, the players are supposed to be working on an offer, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
“Union working on response to league’s last proposal, sources tell @TheAthletic. No further meetings currently scheduled, but expected soon,” Rosenthal reported.
Union working on response to league’s last proposal, sources tell @TheAthletic. No further meetings currently scheduled, but expected soon.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 4, 2022
Indeed, the two sides need to meet as soon as possible if they want to avoid more missed games.
It’s clear that players want, and need, to get on the field.
Do owners really want it, though?
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