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Jeff PassanESPN
The Major League Baseball Players Association is making a proposal to Major League Baseball for a season of 89 games with a full prorated share of salary and expanded playoffs, sources familiar with the situation told ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
It would bring the sides closer to a potential deal as it is 25 games fewer than the union’s last proposal of 114 games at full pro rata, sources told Passan.
MLB proposed on Monday a 76-game season that would cover up to 75% of players’ prorated salaries.
This newest MLBPA proposal would have the season start on July 10 and end on Oct. 11, a source tells ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. It would also expand the postseason to 16 teams (8 in each league) for 2020 and 2021.
Like MLB’s proposal on Monday, this offer has the players sharing in a pool of at least $50 million if playoffs are played without fans.
The proposal also includes opt out rights for all players. Players who are ‘high risk’ or reside with a ‘high risk’ individual are entitled to full service and salary in the event they opt out.
Players with no high-risk concerns may opt out, but without service or salary. High-risk qualification would be determined by MLB/PA in consultation with medical experts.
Players are also committing to providing broadcast enhancements for both regular season and post season games.
MLB’s latest proposal to players on a return-to-play economic package on Monday offered a higher potential salary than the last plan but less guaranteed money over a 76-game season.
Players and officials at the MLBPA quickly scoffed at the proposal, which was obtained by ESPN, continuing the gridlock that has prevented MLB from returning after a coronavirus-related delay to the beginning of its season.
If the sides are unable to agree to a deal, the league has the ability to implement a schedule of its desired length. It has focused recently on a potential 48-game season, sources told ESPN.
