Scott Boras Reportedly Stepped in to Ruin MLB-MLBPA 60-Game Agreement
By Jerry Trotta
The vibe surrounding the 2020 MLB season is finally positive after commissioner Rob Manfred and players association executive director Tony Clark met face-to-face on Wednesday to discuss a potential blueprint for the campaign.
Immediately following that meeting, insider Jon Heyman reported that both sides were closing in on agreement that would see players getting paid on prorated basis across 60 games. However, right after that news surfaced, it was refuted by other reports.
The league and union have since gone back to the drawing board and what reportedly drove a nail into their near-compromise was agent Scott Boras.
Sources tell me the two sides had a hand shake agreement on a 60 game schedule....then Scott Boras stepped in. Management not too happy.
— George Ofman (@georgeofman) June 18, 2020
Of course it was Boras. The 67-year-old super agent has been adamant in advising players not to give an inch when reviewing the owners' previously ridiculous proposals. He's clearly willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that his clients squeeze as many games -- and therefore, as much money -- as possible out of the league's pockets.
Ironically enough, the MLBPA finalized its latest counter offer and it just so happened to feature a 70-game request.
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.
You can't help but feel that Boras has had and continues to have a significant pull in the negotiation process. The players are justified in pushing for the number of games that they deem reasonable, but we seriously hope that Boras refrains from interfering the next time an agreement is imminent.