MLB and the players’ union have been negotiating for a few hours now on Tuesday, after Monday’s marathon that actually resulted in some progress.
The sides advanced enough yesterday that they extended the deadline for the regular season to be played with 162 games for today at 5:00 pm ET.
The reports coming from Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, FL, however, are not particularly encouraging.
According to Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post, the MLBPA just received MLB’s last offer.
“Details of MLB’s final offer, per an MLBPA official: Pre-arb pool — 30M, no increases. Union wants 85M with increases. CBT thresholds, same: $220M, $220M, $220M, $224M, $230M Minimums at $700k,” Janes reported.
Details of MLB's final offer, per an MLBPA official:
Pre-arb pool — 30M, no increases. Union wants 85M with increases.
CBT thresholds, same: $220M, $220M, $220M, $224M, $230M
Minimums at $700k.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) March 1, 2022
The players have been pushing for a minimum salary starting at $775,000 for a while now, and the owners started at $610,000, then slowly increased their offers to reach $700,000.
Players Are Disappointed By MLB’s Offer
The sides are ways apart in the pre-arbitration bonus pool ($55 million apart, to be exact), and while the league apparently agreed to remove the increase in penalties for teams who exceed the competitive balance tax (CBT), they don’t want to move their proposed thresholds anymore.
That may complicate a deal, as Janes reported.
“In other words… not even close to what the union was looking for. Word is this offered was just delivered. That we have it immediately shows you the extent of the displeasure,” she said.
In other words… not even close to what the union was looking for. Word is this offered was just delivered. That we have it immediately shows you the extent of the displeasure. https://t.co/9DHzjaxN9x
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) March 1, 2022
Reports from the owners’ side suggested that a deal might have been close at some point between yesterday and today, but players are downplaying that notion.
FWIW MLB has pumped to the media last night & today that there’s momentum toward a deal. Now saying the players tone has changed. So if a deal isn’t done today it’s our fault. This isn’t a coincidence. We’ve had the same tone all along. We just want a fair deal/to play ball.
— Alex Wood (@Awood45) March 1, 2022
It looks like MLB and the Players Association will need to do some more bargaining, but they have run out of time, according to the league, to play 162 games.
Will they extend the deadline a few more days?
NEXT: MLB Insider Details How Expanded Playoffs Will Work