MLBPA Finalizes Counter-Offer to MLB in Latest Sign of Progress in 2020 Season Negotiations
By Tyler Kemp
The standoff between the MLB and the league’s players’ association looks like it could finally be turning the corner. Throughout the last few months, both sides have been at a near stalemate in terms of figuring out how to proceed with a shortened season with number of games, pro-rated salaries and revenue splits as the major bargaining chips.
Following the league’s proposal of a 60-game schedule, the union has countered. Based on the numbers and additional components, hopefully the two sides are not that far away from an agreement.
The Major League Baseball Players Association has finalized a proposal to MLB for a season in the neighborhood of 70 games, sources tell me and @JesseRogersESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 18, 2020
The MLBPA is finalizing its proposal to play somewhere around 70 games in a shortened regular season. Being that the summer months are already here, both sides need to understand that they are on a time crunch.
In addition to his initial report of the 70-game proposal, ESPN’s Jeff Passan also gave more details about the conversation of splitting revenues for players and owners.
The MLBPA’s proposal to MLB is for 70 games, sources tell ESPN, and includes a split of playoff revenues.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 18, 2020
While the league is unlikely to accept this proposal, it’s close enough for optimism there will be a season — whether it’s via a deal or MLB setting a shorter schedule.
League commissioner Rob Manfred was already on record saying that he is not completely certain there will be an MLB season, just days after suggesting it was a certainty. Now with the sides closer than ever, they can reconvene at the bargaining table over what appears to be a rather small gap.